California Behavioral Health Association

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California Behavioral Health Association

A statewide non-profit association that supports and promotes behavioral health agencies through legislative advocacy.

Since its inception in 1985, CBHA has endeavored to provide agency executives with the support, assistance and camaraderie that can help make a difference in the often-difficult task of running a nonprofit mental health agency. In 1999, CBHA was instrumental in the design and implementation of a pioneering, three-county program that served homeless people, parolees and probationers with serious mental illness. Using aggressive outreach and a whatever-it-takes-approach to match services to client needs, these programs achieved significant clinical outcomes for those served and saved millions of dollars by reducing hospitalization and incarceration costs. The passage of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, in 2004 was CBHA's proudest moment.

12/10/2025

We are pleased to share CBHA’s joint new policy white paper, developed to support providers in navigating upcoming changes under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). As counties prepare for the 2026 implementation requirements, this resource offers timely guidance on how BHSA funding can sustainably support housing and intensive services for people experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness.

The paper provides a clear overview of the expanded opportunities within BHSA—particularly its dedicated funding for housing supports and full-service partnerships—and illustrates how these resources can replace the unstable patchwork of one-time state and local funding currently used across the state.

As always, CBHA remains committed to providing members with clear, practical tools to navigate California’s evolving behavioral health landscape. We extend our appreciation to A&A Health Services and Alamo Health Management for their expertise and contributions to the joint white paper.

Access the full Policy White Paper below:
🔗 https://bit.ly/3XN8iig

12/09/2025

As we close out the year, CBHA pauses to recognize the many meaningful observances that take place throughout December. This month invites us to celebrate, reflect, and uplift the diverse communities in California. We extend our gratitude to the providers, advocates, and community partners who work every day to ensure that all individuals—across identities, abilities, and lived experiences—receive the support, respect, and care they deserve. ❤

12/05/2025

CBHA is honored to amplify that our member, Al Rowlett, Emeritus CEO at Turning Point Community Programs and longtime partner, Rayshell Chambers, Executive Director at Painted Brain have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair in the Commission for Behavioral Health!

CBHA values the exceptional work of the Commission, and we are eager to continue our strong partnership in the years to come. Our behavioral health community is resilient due to the contributions of our visionary leaders and partners!

12/02/2025

📣 CBHA’s CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, testified today at the Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis, representing the essential mission of crisis service providers and the challenges they are facing today.

9-8-8 call centers have remained the stabilizing force in crisis care and their outcomes speak clearly. Over 90 percent of crisis calls are resolved during the call itself, only three percent require mobile crisis intervention, and only two percent of those lead to the use of emergency services.

Despite this consistent performance and commitment, sustainability challenges persist, including:
🔺 Staffing and retention rates
🔺 Exclusion in planning
🔺 Lack of reimbursement for technology costs

“With technology reimbursements unpaid, rates reduced dramatically, and major decisions made without provider involvement, call centers are not being made whole. Instead, they are becoming increasingly underfunded and understaffed. This is the opposite of what California committed to when it set out to build a strong, locally anchored crisis system.” - Dr. Clark Harvey

Thank you to Committee Chair and members for allowing CBHA to highlight the needs of California’s crisis response system.

11/21/2025

CBHA is thrilled to be participating at this year’s Women in Government Leadership Summit in beautiful La Jolla, CA.

CBHA’s CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, shared her expertise on the Mental Health Epidemic panel and spoke on some of the state legislative solutions that can improve access to care. 📢

We are proud to be in an environment where we can recognize existing barriers and discover legislative pathways to improve our behavioral health systems! 👏🏼

We are grateful for our partners and colleagues who commit themselves to improving access to behavioral health care!

11/19/2025

CBHA is proud to share that five members have been awarded through the PATH CITED initiative, along with 148 other organizations to help strengthen services for Medi-Cal members.

We are so grateful for our members and their commitment to making care for Californians more effective, accessible, and intentional!

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Read the full press release from DHCS to learn more about Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports initiatives:

🔗 https://bit.ly/4a2Sdfr

11/10/2025

For 40 years, CBHA has stood alongside California’s behavioral health community, advocating for equitable access and compassionate care. As part of our 40th Anniversary Celebration, we are honored to recognize leaders whose work continues to break barriers and champion health equity for all.

We are proud to announce the Top Awardees for the Health Equity Award:

⭐ Gold Star: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Former Surgeon General, State of California

Silver Stars:

🔸Dr. Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, San Mateo County Health
🔸Al Rowlett, LCSW, MBA, CPRP, Emeritus CEO, Turning Point Community Programs
🔸Albert M. Senella, President & CEO, Tarzana Treatment Centers
💛 These leaders exemplify the spirit of health equity through innovation, inclusion, and heart.

11/03/2025

Thank you to for bringing together civic leaders, youth, and providers as a call to action against youth homelessness!

CBHA is honored to hear from long term advocates and youth with lived experiences draw awareness to the need for policy changes.

10/30/2025

Thank you to our member, El Hogar Community Services, for hosting the 45th Annual Mental Health and Aging Conference!

CBHA is honored to participate and kickstart a day full of innovation and shared commitment to improving the well-being of older adults in our communities.

10/29/2025

Our 40th Anniversary Celebration is right around the corner! Next Thursday, we will be announcing the top awardees in the Behavioral Health Champion, Consumer Advocate, and Health Equity categories.

The registration deadline is TOMORROW! If you’d like to support a colleague or invite a guest, now is the time to secure your spots. Join us for this memorable celebration as we honor the contributions of behavioral health leaders and acknowledge the top awardees! 💫

Registration: https://bit.ly/40rMBpG

10/28/2025

CBHA is proud to spotlight our member, Stars Behavioral Health Group (SBHG)—a dedicated leader in community-based behavioral health care across California. 📢

SBHG lives by their motto — “Partner with People for Positive Change” — supporting Californians experiencing significant behavioral health challenges while facing limited financial resources.

Each year, SBHG touches the lives of over 40,000 Californians, making an extraordinary impact across the state. 👏

🔹 Why CBHA? - “We are stronger together! Community-based behavioral healthcare organizations can advocate for serving our clients better with CBHA’s leadership.” - Kent Dunlap, CEO and President, Stars Behavioral Health Group

10/27/2025

Throughout the year, CBHA has been recognizing individuals and leaders in the behavioral health space whose efforts and contributions have driven policy forward.

As our 40th Anniversary Celebration waits right around the corner, we would love to share the inspiration and excitement our event is promised to offer.

The registration deadline is October 30th and spots are limited! If you haven’t registered yet, NOW is the time to do so! ✨

🔗 https://bit.ly/40rMBpG

Address

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 215
Sacramento, CA
95814

Telephone

+19165571166

Website

https://www.calbha.org/

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