Supporting California Counties in Behavioral Health Transformation

Across California, counties are doing more than ever to meet the growing needs of their residents with the greatest needs while facing a complex and rapidly changing policy environment. Aurrera Health supports counties in navigating these challenges by using our policy and operational expertise to translate new policies into sustainable implementation plans.

Aurrera Health is working with counties in California to implement major initiatives such as California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), and Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT). These initiatives create new opportunities to draw down federal funding and expand reimbursable services. They also require substantial changes that reshape how counties operate, finance, and deliver behavioral health care.

Aurrera Health is currently providing hands-on assistance to county leadership and staff in Santa Clara County through strategic guidance, policy analysis, project management, and communication coordination to translate te evolving state guidance into implementation for several components of BH-CONNECT.  Our team also helps the county develop and execute work plans, establish governance structures, and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities.

Our services draw on our extensive experience working with key decision makers at the state and local level and our support evolves to meet our client’s changing needs. When our clients deal with competing priorities and limited time, our team helps facilitate decision making processes. As policies are refined or evolve at the state-level, our team develops trainings and communications for county staff and providers to support the implementation of new programs or requirements.

California’s behavioral health transformation represents a significant opportunity to expand access to care and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the state. Realizing this vision requires thoughtful implementation at the local level. By helping counties navigate complex requirements, coordinate stakeholders, and operationalize new programs, Aurrera Health supports the work of turning policy goals into meaningful improvements in behavioral health care. We are proud to partner with counties such as Santa Clara County as they build stronger behavioral health systems to better serve their communities.

To discuss how we can support your county’s behavioral health transformation, please reach out to Allison Homewood.

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Authors

Jenneil Johansen [Deputy Director]

Devin McBrayer [Director]