Highlights

Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights BBHHSSOOAACC — — A Fnunlul aSle Rrveipcoer Ptartnerships Report bhbshosaoca.cc.ac.ag.ogvov STATE OF CALIFORNIA January 15, 2026 Gavin Newsom, Governor As 2025 concludes, the Commission reflects on a year defined by significant transformation and a commitment to modernizing California’s behavioral Al Rowlett, Chair health system. Amidst evolving policies, environmental challenges, and Rayshell Chambers, Vice Chair societal shifts, we remain rooted in driving transformational change to support wellbeing for all Californians, especially those most in need. COMMISSIONERS We are actively preparing to implement the Behavioral Health Services Act Mayra E Alvarez (BHSA). Our expanded and diverse roster of 27 Commissioners guides this Pamela Baer transition, ensuring that varied perspectives inform our work. Our new Michael Bernick advisory committees integrate comprehensive community input and foster Mark Bontrager open dialogue. Bill Brown, Sheriff Central to our transformational agenda is the Innovation Partnership Fund Keyondria Bunch, Ph.D. (IPF), the Commission’s most significant BHSA initiative. This five-year investment of up to $100 million, developed through extensive community Robert Callan, Jr. engagement, embodies California’s commitment to boldly innovate and Steve Carnevale lead the state in efforts to ensure that appropriate, high-quality behavioral Shuo (Shuonan) Chen health services are available to all Californians in need. Chris Contreras Our work in 2025 was dedicated to driving systemic integration of substance Dave Cortese, Senator use disorder, strengthening BHSA Full Service Partnerships, and amplifying Makenzie Cross the voices of vulnerable populations through advocacy. Every CBH initiative is led by our understanding that real change emerges from the ground up, Amy Fairweather, J.D. fueled by the lived experiences and insights of the community. Brandon Fernandez David Gordon In 2026, with BHSA implementation on the horizon and new leadership at the helm, we are poised to accelerate our progress. This report details the John Harabedian, Assemblymember foundational work of 2025 and our enduring commitment to a behavioral Tumboura Hill health system that is truly responsive, equitable, and effective for Karen Larsen California’s most vulnerable people. Mara Madrigal-Weiss We welcome the opportunity to further discuss the details of this report. Gladys Mitchell Respectfully, Rosielyn Pulmano, Assembly Designee James L. Robinson, Psy.D. Brenda Grealish Marvin Southard Executive Director Marjorie Swartz, Senate Designee Jay’riah Thomas-Beckett, DHA, M.Ed Gary Tsai, M.D. Jevon Wilkes i Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights A New Era: Our Commissioners The BHSA has dramatically reshaped our Commission, expanding it from 16 to 27 fully appointed Commissioners, selected by the Governor, Attorney General, State Superintendent, Assembly, and Senate. Our newest appointees embody an unprecedented diversity of experience, including youth, veterans, substance use disorder experts, and housing professionals. This unique blend of representation from every sector touched by behavioral health is breaking down silos and injecting critical perspectives, fueling our mission to modernize behavioral health and achieve transformative outcomes for those most in need. ii Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights A New Era: Our Commissioners Al Rowlett Rayshell Chambers Chair Vice Chair Mental health professional Mental health peer Mayra E Alvarez, MHA Shuo (Shuonan) Chen Tumboura Hill Attorney General Family member of an Family member of an adult or designee adult peer or older adult peer with substance use disorder Pamela Baer Chris Contreras Karen Larsen Person with knowledge and Professional with expertise in Peer with a substance experience in community- housing and homelessness use disorder defined evidence practices and reducing behavioral health disparities Dave Cortese Mara Madrigal-Weiss Senator Superintendent of Public California Senate Michael Bernick Instruction or designee Designee: Marjorie Swartz Representative of an aging or disability organization Makenzie Cross Gladys Mitchell Peer youth Family member of a Mark Bontrager child peer Health care service plan/ insurer representative Amy Fairweather, J.D. James Robinson, Psy.D. Veteran or representative of a Large employer Bill Brown veterans’ organization representative Sheriff County Sheriff Brandon Fernandez Marvin Southard Peer with a substance Current or former county Keyondria Bunch, Ph.D. use disorder behavioral health director Labor organization representative David Gordon Jay’riah Thomas-Beckett, School district DHA, M.Ed Robert Callan, Jr. superintendent Mental health peer Family member of someone with substance use disorder John Harabedian Gary Tsai, MD Assemblymember Physician specializing in Steve Carnevale California Assembly substance use disorder Small employer Designee: Rosielyn Pulmano representative Jevon Wilkes Representative of a children and youth organization iii CCoommmmiissssiioonn ffoorr BBeehhaavviioorraall HHeeaalltthh 22002255 HHiigghhlliigghhttss Contents Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act ................................ 1 Innovation Partnership Fund .................................................. 3 Integrating Substance Use Disorder ............................................ 4 Full Service Partnerships: A Cornerstone of the BHSA ........................... 5 The Power of Peers ............................................................ 6 Beyond Crisis: Building a Resilient Continuum of Care .......................... 7 Youth Behavioral Health ....................................................... 9 Navigating Uncertain Times ..................................................... 11 Confronting Firearm Violence: A Behavioral Health Perspective ................ 12 Advocacy Partnerships ....................................................... 12 Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability ........................... 14 Program Advisory Committee ................................................. 15 Legislative & External Affairs Advisory Committee ............................. 15 Budget & Fiscal Advisory Committee .......................................... 15 Client, Family, and Community Inclusion, Lived Experience, and Diversity Advisory Committee .......................... 15 Looking Ahead .................................................................. 16 Upcoming Grant Opportunities ............................................... 17 Key Reports and Policy Developments ........................................ 17 New Leadership .............................................................. 17 Expanding Our Reach ......................................................... 17 iv Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act As California embraces a new era of behavioral health modernization with the landmark BHSA, also known as Proposition 1, the Commission actively prepares for its full implementation. Key elements will take effect on July 1, 2026. 1 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act This report explores our most significant BHSA implementation contributions, including the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) and our work in substance use disorder integration, full service partnerships, equity, crisis response, and children/youth behavioral health initiatives. Importantly, the Commission is also working to prepare counties and communities for change. Foundational Support for BHSA Transition Community Planning Process Stakeholder Toolkit The Commission currently oversees county-level innovation funds that were eliminated under the Embodying “nothing about us without us,” this intuitive BHSA. We are empowering counties to use remaining toolkit simplifies the BHSA’s updated community innovation dollars to support the BHSA transition. planning process. It provides clear guidance on Program Improvements for Valued Outpatient participation – who, what, where, when, and how – Treatment (PIVOT), an initiative created by Orange making it easier than ever for communities to engage County and now embraced by Napa, San Bernardino, and drive meaningful change. and San Mateo, is a prime example. PIVOT is helping counties transform services to smooth the transition to BHSA, including modernizing Full Service Partnerships, integrating advanced complex care for older adults, building specialty behavioral health capacity in diverse communities, driving workforce solutions, and pioneering novel approaches to care delivery. Behavioral Health Goals & Population Health Measures Data Dashboards The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released 14 statewide goals to guide BHSA planning and funding to reduce critical outcomes like suicides, Image: Participants share ideas at a Nevada County Behavioral overdoses, and homelessness. We are updating our Health Department community planning session. data dashboards to transform measures of these goals into powerful, easy-to-interpret visuals, empowering Aligning with Priority Populations counties and the public to strategically plan services. The BHSA identifies critical behavioral health priority populations – individuals who are or at risk of significant challenges, such as chronic homelessness, justice system involvement, hospitalization, child welfare system transitions, conservatorship, or institutionalization. The Commission reshaped our advocacy contracts to champion these populations, ensuring their unique voices are amplified and heard. 2 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Innovation Partnership Fund In this critical juncture in California’s behavioral health EIGHT CROSS-CUTTING ELEMENTS landscape, IPF is the Commission’s most significant BHSA initiative. At a maximum $100 million investment The framework names eight core dimensions over five years, the IPF is California’s commitment that all proposals must demonstrate: to boldly innovate and redefine how we deliver, experience, and sustain behavioral health services. → Equity The persistent challenges California faces in behavioral → Financial sustainability health demand more than incremental improvements. → Public-private partnerships The IPF will advance new models or technologies, scale community-centered solutions, demonstrate a clear → Lived experience and community leadership break from the status quo, and be actionable and ready → Alignment with statewide behavioral health for real-world implementation. transformation efforts → Advance effective treatment models A Framework Developed in Partnership with Community → Demonstrate agility and quality improvement integration Developing the IPF Framework has been a collaborative effort guided by our commitment to transparency and → Leverage emerging technologies accountability. Since Spring 2025, we have actively: Engaged Broadly Targeting the Highest Needs Gathered invaluable stakeholder feedback through community surveys and three listening sessions, In addition to the eight cross-cutting elements, the IPF including a dedicated session for individuals with lived will prioritize BHSA priority populations, focusing on experience, engaging over 321 participants; individuals with the most complex behavioral health needs and communities that are underserved, low- Solicited Creative Concepts income, and impacted by disparities. Received 49 developed submissions through a call for concepts, showcasing a rich pipeline of innovative Looking Ahead: The January 2026 RFP ideas; and and Beyond We expect to release the Request for Proposal in Collaborated Across Sectors January 2026 to pave the way for timely annual funding Partnered with key state agencies to refine the distribution beginning July 1, 2026. framework and ensure alignment with statewide goals. Image: Researcher at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences presents to Commissioner Gladys Mitchell. 3 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Integrating Substance Use Disorder The BHSA mandates full integration of substance Amplifying Lived Experience use disorder (SUD) services, including services for The Commission actively champions behavioral individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUD health through media partnerships that amplify conditions, into county behavioral health systems. The lived experience and promote understanding. Our Commission is driving this crucial integration by piloting partnership with CalMatters features a powerful op- and scaling innovative solutions through a $20 million ed by Tommie Trevino, a dedicated alcohol and drug pilot program. This program, a hallmark of our Mental counselor. Tommie’s piece, “I Overcame Addiction. Health Wellness Act grant initiative, is designed to build Now I Help Others Make the Journey,” offers profound upon and replicate successful approaches. This funding insights from his own recovery and his extensive has been allocated to Los Angeles, Marin, and Nevada experience at UC Davis, where he guides patients with counties to lead pilot efforts to: SUD. Tommie demonstrates the Commission’s ideal: Promote Holistic Approaches Centering people with lived experience can inspire hope and drive crucial conversations about addiction as a Fostering the integration of substance use disorder treatable disease. treatment, medical care, and mental health services into a unified, comprehensive system. Enhance Access to Evidence-Based Care Significantly improving access to effective SUD services, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Drive Collaboration and Innovation Bringing county behavioral health departments and providers together to identify best practices for sustainable, integrated MAT programs. Image courtesy of CalMatters. LOS ANGELES COUNTY MARIN COUNTY Expanding MAT Capacity and Pioneering MAT Access and Provider Support Residential Integration Los Angeles is increasing access to MAT by bolstering Marin County is enhancing MAT prescriber access the capacity of its specialty SUD provider agencies. This through a strategic cost-sharing model and advancing pilot expands prescriber hours and supports agencies IMS within residential programs. The pilot aims in obtaining approval for Incidental Medical Services to increase the number of Medi-Cal practitioners (IMS). This allows residential SUD treatment sites to authorized to prescribe billable MAT and create a new directly offer MAT, overcoming regulatory barriers. Los electronic health record system, paving the way for Angeles projects the grant will increase MAT availability program sustainability. Marin is collaborating with by at least 20% over three years, improving client neighboring counties for technical assistance on IMS engagement and outcomes and saving lives. and financial sustainability, while also exploring mobile treatment services and engaging outpatient programs. 4 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Full Service Partnerships: A Cornerstone of the BHSA Full Service Partnerships (FSPs) have always been a cornerstone of California’s commitment to behavioral health. The BHSA amplifies their importance, increasing funding but also mandating rigorous standards of care and evidence-based practices. These recovery-oriented, comprehensive services are designed for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, often with histories of justice system involvement and repeat hospitalizations, ensuring they receive tailored support in the community rather than in locked state hospitals. The Commission is taking multiple approaches to make high-quality FSPs a reality. Informing FSP Policy with the Biennial Report Our comprehensive biennial report to the Legislature provides critical data and analysis on FSP effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement in homelessness prevention, justice involvement reduction, and hospitalization rates. Driving FSP Innovation with Pilot Programs and Grants Image: One of several handmade signs in the lobby of the Chico We are actively investing in the future of FSPs Community Counseling Center. through two pilot projects and a $10 million Mental Health Wellness Act grant dedicated to performance Improving Child-Serving FSP Quality management. These projects seek to strategically Through Evaluation support sustainable funding solutions, strengthen the We are dedicating resources to perform a focused workforce, enhance accountability through robust evaluation on child-serving FSPs. This will help improve metrics, and improve behavioral health service delivery. the quality and effectiveness of FSP services tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable children and youth. Enhancing FSP Provider Resources with a Best Practices Toolkit Supporting Forums on Behavioral Our comprehensive Best Practices Toolkit, created with Health and Criminal Justice extensive outreach and county engagement, supports The Commission sponsors Words to Deeds, California’s service providers and county behavioral health staff. leading forum focused on decriminalizing behavioral The toolkit consolidates recommendations and best health since 2003. This conference elevates practical practices for peer support, mental health and SUD solutions for crisis response, recidivism reduction, and services, community collaboration, step-down care, whole-person care. FSPs are among the programs vital and outreach and engagement – crucial factors as FSPs to preventing the most devastating impacts of untreated become a larger cornerstone in the public behavioral behavioral health conditions. health system. 5 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act The Power of Peers The profound lived wisdom of people who have navigated their own journeys of recovery, resilience, and advocacy is at the heart of California’s behavioral health transformation. The Commission is deeply committed to elevating these voices, recognizing that peers bring unparalleled insights, hope, and practical support to our communities. Their experiences are not just stories – they are the foundation for providing more effective, compassionate, and equitable behavioral health care. Investing in Peer-Run Organizations for Scalable Impact Our Mental Health Wellness Act grant program invests in the future of peer-run organizations, including peer respites, which offer crucial alternatives to hospitalization. Expected to be released in January 2026, our Request for Proposal will focus on building strong relationships between these programs and county behavioral health departments. The grant will Image: Program Director Chaz Whitsell (left) and guest Truman on also provide the technical assistance and evaluation the porch at Garden Gate Respite in Modesto. tools needed to foster growth and scale successful models statewide. Cal Voices Holding the Commission’s contract for clients and Amplifying Advocacy consumers, Cal Voices championed systemic change through events like regional networking gatherings The Commission actively champions the voices of and training retreats, policy podcasts, and peer people with lived experience and their support systems collaboration platforms. by strategically funding key advocacy organizations. Through our current grantees – Cal Voices, NAMI NAMI California California, and United Parents – we support critical As the Commission’s partner for families, NAMI efforts to drive policy changes, raise public awareness, California’s work supported families’ understanding of and ensure the perspectives of peers, family members, the behavioral health system and CARE Courts through and consumers are central to decision-making processes. initiatives like a Bay Area town hall, featuring Judge Examples of this impactful work in 2025 include: Alesia Jones on the CARE Act. This event gave families insights to empower them to advocate for their loved ones within this new court system. United Parents Responsible for helping the Commission empower parents and caregivers, United Parents successfully prepared nearly 100 participants for legislative visits at their 5th Annual Advocacy Day at the Capitol, resulting in high satisfaction and equipping them with actionable advocacy tools. Participants grew their communication skills and systems knowledge, preparing them to meet with policymakers and demand that change includes Image: Participants at United Parents’ Advocacy Day at the lived experience. Capitol. Image courtesy of United Parents. 6 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Beyond Crisis: Building a Resilient Continuum of Care While the BHSA is a monumental step in modernizing California’s behavioral health system, it is one important piece of a larger, interconnected crisis continuum. The Commission recognizes that a truly resilient system requires robust support at every stage – from prevention and early intervention to acute care and long-term recovery. As part of this commitment, our Mental Health Wellness (MHWA) grant program empowers community-based organizations to improve the local response to behavioral health crises. In addition to grants related to substance use disorders, Full Service Partnerships, and peer-run organizations (discussed previously), we are also making strategic MHWA investments that directly support community initiatives in the following areas: 0-5 Maternal Behavioral Health Initiative A $20 million grant focused on serving the behavioral health needs of children aged 0-5, birthing people, and their families by connecting them to services through a partnership approach to reduce school failures, prevent out-of-home placements, and identify developmental delays and behavioral health risks, laying the groundwork for lifelong wellbeing. Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) Units A $20 million grant to create units adjacent to regular emergency departments and deliver acute behavioral health care to patients in crisis in a calm, therapeutic setting. Older Adults A $20 million grant supporting older adults through education and skill development so that they may maintain the best possible behavioral and physical health to promote independent living and wellbeing. Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) In addition to our Mental Health Wellness Act grants, our EPI+ and Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) grants support implementing Coordinated Specialty Care, an evidence-based practice elevated in the BHSA, in Kern, Lake, San Francisco, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Nevada, Santa Barbara, and Sacramento counties. 7 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act HIGHLIGHT Del Norte County Breaks Ground With support from a MHWA grant through the Commission, Sutter Coast Hospital broke ground on a new EmPATH unit, a specialized behavioral health facility designed for faster, compassionate care during mental health crises. The unit is the first in a rural community and aims to be a model Image: Program speakers from Sutter Coast Hospital’s EmPATH unit groundbreaking. for others. The unit plans to open in early 2026. Image courtesy of Sutter Health. HIGHLIGHT Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent Net Through a unique and impactful partnership with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District, the Commission allocated $7 million to help fund the physical suicide barrier that was installed on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2024. The net is successfully saving lives, with a 73% reduction in annual suicides. Image: The suicide deterrent system, also known as the net, on the Golden Gate Bridge. Image courtesy of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District. 8 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Youth Behavioral Health Recognizing the urgent need to address the escalating youth behavioral health crisis brought to light by community members and affirmed in 2021 by the U.S. Surgeon General, the Commission continues a comprehensive and multi- faceted approach to support children and youth. Our work directly targets critical areas of need, from fostering supportive school environments and enhancing access to early intervention services to empowering young adults and advocating for policies that promote resilience and wellbeing. Our strategic impact on youth behavioral health includes: Empowering Communities Through Impactful Grants Behavioral Health Student allcove® Youth Drop-In Centers Services Act (BHSSA) Building on the success of Santa Clara County’s original Authorized by the 2019 Budget Act, this landmark model, the Commission championed and scaled the initiative has provided $280 million to 57 grants concept of integrated youth-driven drop-in centers, to build partnerships between county behavioral originally awarded funding through the Budget Act of health departments and their local education agency 2019 and further enhanced by the 2023 CYBHI grants. partners. The BHSSA directly incentivizes these crucial This initiative has supported groundbreaking centers partnerships between entities to deliver critical school- across the state. New centers are planned in Castro based mental health services to young people and their Valley, Half Moon Bay, Marysville, Sacramento, San families, fostering a more integrated support system. Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, and Watsonville, as well as a center in Weitchpec in partnership with the Yurok Youth Center. Image: Hope Squad members at Descanso Elementary School in San Diego County present to their classmates. 9 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Implementing the Behavioral Health Services Act Shaping Policy for Enhanced Amplifying Youth Voices Youth Support Through Dedicated Advocacy Universal Screening Blueprint The Commission actively champions the voices of youth by strategically funding key advocacy organizations that As mandated by the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Act, the represent Transition Age Youth (TAY) and K-12 students. Commission produced a pivotal policy report on school- These partnerships are instrumental in bringing young based universal behavioral health screening, offering people’s perspectives directly into policy discussions a comprehensive landscape analysis and actionable and decision-making. recommendations for implementation. California Youth Empowerment Combating Body Shaming Network (CAYEN) In alignment with Assembly Bill 10 (Lowenthal, Chapter 791, Statutes of 2023), the Commission collaborated In 2025, CAYEN held its impactful annual TAY Days at with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California State Capitol, uniting TAY from across the other partners to develop a model policy and essential state for a powerful day of learning, collaboration, and educational resources on body shaming. advocacy on issues most critical to them. Addressing the Effects of Social Media Jakara Through a partnership with the California Department In 2025, Jakara hosted three dynamic teen mental of Public Health (CDPH), the Commission is actively health conferences at Yuba College, La Sierra University, informing a report on the mental health risks associated and Fresno City College, drawing over 650 teens from with children and youth’s social media use, as required rural, marginalized, and underserved communities by Assembly Bill 1282 (Lowenthal, Chapter 807, Statutes to grow their communication and leadership skills of 2024). and practice advocating with decision-makers for the behavioral health needs of their communities. Featuring professional athletes Jared Verse, Metta World Peace, and Asanta Cleaveland, breakdancing, slam poetry, mental health workshops, and other engaging outlets for self-expression, the events powerfully demonstrate the role of community and collaboration in fostering lasting change. Image: Youth dance at a Vibe Check behavioral health conference hosted by Jakara at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. 10 CCoommmmiissssiioonn ffoorr BBeehhaavviioorraall HHeeaalltthh 22002255 HHiigghhlliigghhttss Navigating Uncertain Times California faces unprecedented challenges, from environmental crises and policy shifts to societal polarization and global conflicts, all of which significantly impact behavioral health. 11 Confronting Firearm Violence: A Behavioral Health Perspective Stopping the Hurt: Preventing the Harms of Firearm This year, the Commission published its policy report, Violence via Public Behavioral Health “Stopping the Hurt: Preventing the Harms of Firearm The Impacts of Firearm Violence Project Report Violence via Public Behavioral Health,” a response to July 2025 the escalating epidemic of gun violence, which has seen a surge in mass shootings since 2020 and is now the leading cause of death for children and youth. The report underscores that firearm violence is a persistent threat to behavioral health — and that sensible, public health solutions exist. The Commission’s recommendations call for deploying public engagement initiatives and developing a unified statewide strategy for a public health approach to firearm violence prevention. Advocacy Partnerships Through the strategic partnerships of our dedicated BHSOAC — Impacts of Firearm Violence Project Report bhsoac.ca.gov advocacy contractors, vulnerable communities are empowered with the resources and voice to advocate for their needs and influence California’s behavioral Advancing Equity for Racial and health policy. The following are some examples of the Ethnic Minorities work they completed in 2025: The California Pan Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) uses community engagement to empower the public. They Responding to Environmental Crises and partnered with the Bakersfield American Indian Health Community Needs Project for a town hall on the impact of federal cuts on California continues to face devastating wildfires, the American Indian community. This event generated such as the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, which media pieces in multiple languages, informing have a significant ripple effect on behavioral health. community members about risks and empowering Our advocacy contractors responded swiftly and them to advocate for their needs. with community focus. CAYEN’s Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCC) offered immediate gathering spaces, resources, and critical support. In addition, NAMI Westside LA, despite displacement, pivoted its services to support its community. All our contractors are proactively preparing for future fire seasons, underscoring our partners’ important role in their communities. 5202 yluJ tropeR tcejorP ecneloiV mraeriF fo stcapmI ehT Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Navigating Uncertain Times bhsoac.ca.gov © 2025 Image: CPEHN staff present on changes under the Behavioral Health Services Act. Image courtesy of CPEHN. 12 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Navigating Uncertain Times Championing LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health Access Mental Health America (MHA) is instrumental in driving advocacy, outreach, and engagement for LGBTQIA+ behavioral health. They spearhead numerous outreach events, including a partnership with the Central #WERKgroup and MoPride to facilitate the MH4A Picnic at the Park and Empowerment Circle event in Modesto. This collaborative effort connected hundreds of LGBTQIA+ community members with inclusive providers, insurance information, and essential services. Image: Community advocates outside ICE detention centers in California. Image courtesy of Center for Empowering Refugees & Supporting Veterans’ Wellbeing Immigrants (CERI). California Association of Veteran Service Agencies Empowering Immigrants and Refugees (CAVSA) champions veteran mental health, housing, and employment through active advocacy and engagement. The Commission currently contracts with seven This includes promoting new supportive housing, like local advocacy organizations: Asian Americans for New Directions in San Diego, via community outreach Community Involvement; Boat People SOS; Center for and by convening stakeholders through collaborative Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI); El Sol events such as the San Diego Veterans Coalition’s Neighborhood Education Center; Health Education (SDVC) Listening Social to identify service gaps and Institute; International Rescue Committee; and collaboratively develop solutions. Refugees Enrichment and Development Association; plus statewide partner CPEHN. Together, these partners facilitate hundreds of events annually, offering vital resources and behavioral health support on pressing issues that strongly impact community wellbeing. CERI hosted one such event in Oakland to address topics ranging from extreme heat, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, public benefits, crisis counseling, and anti-Asian hate campaigns, providing crucial access to information and services. Image: Participants at a Stand Down event for veterans. Image courtesy of the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA). 13 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability In 2025, the Commission established several new advisory committees to foster greater efficiency and, crucially, to integrate more comprehensive input from the communities we serve. These committees expand opportunities for public comment, fostering open dialogue that allows commissioners to respond directly to public input. 14 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability Program Advisory Committee Budget & Fiscal Advisory Committee Gary Tsai, MD Mara Madrigal-Weiss Chair Vice Chair Al Rowlett Chris Contreras Guides our programs, research, and grants, Chair Vice Chair making sure they are effective and meet the needs Ensures our funds are used wisely and transparently to of Californians. Led by Chair Gary Tsai and best serve our community, including implementing a Vice Chair Mara Madrigal-Weiss. more transparent budget process and introducing new methods for tracking contracts and grants to ensure Legislative & External Affairs accountability. Led by Chair Al Rowlett and Vice Chair Advisory Committee Chris Contreras. Client, Family, and Mark Bontrager Robert Callan, Jr. Chair Vice Chair Community Inclusion, Lived Shapes the Commission’s legislative agenda and Experience, and Diversity advocacy priorities to reflect the needs and priorities of Advisory Committee the communities we serve. Led by Chair Mark Bontrager and Vice Chair Robert Callan, Jr. Rayshell Chambers Mayra E Alvarez Chair Vice Chair This committee underpins our work, ensuring that the voices of individuals, families, and communities are heard and valued. It includes both Commissioners and vital public members with direct lived experience dedicated to making sure our programs and policies reflect the real experiences of people navigating behavioral health challenges. Led by Chair Rayshell Chambers and Vice Chair Mayra E Alvarez. JOIN OUR WORK QR CODE All of our work is done in deep partnership with community. HERE We hope you’ll join us at a committee or Commission meeting so we can make progress together. Scan the code to see upcoming Commission meetings. 15 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Looking Ahead The Commission reflects on 2025 as a year marked by a deep commitment to transparency and accountability in modernizing California’s behavioral health system. Our strategic initiatives have helped to lay the foundation for the comprehensive implementation of the BHSA, ensuring a springboard for a more responsive, equitable, and effective system for all Californians. We are energized by continued progress and the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Our focus remains on sustained innovation and collaboration to meet the evolving behavioral health needs of the most vulnerable Californians. 16 Commission for Behavioral Health 2025 Highlights Looking Ahead Upcoming Grant Opportunities Expanding Our Reach → The Commission will release a Request for Proposal In partnership with PBS flagship station WETA, the (RFP) for the first phase of the IPF in January Commission’s second sponsored documentary, “Hiding 2026, aiming to release funds to align with BHSA in Plain Sight: Adult Mental Illness,” is slated for national implementation on July 1, 2026. release on PBS in Spring 2027. Following Ken Burns’ documentary on youth mental illness, this film offers → Additional upcoming RFPs will support peer respite an unflinching look at the profound challenges faced by best practices and advocacy grants. people with mental disorders, while also highlighting → The Program Advisory Committee will develop the the hope found in recovery. next set of priorities for the MHWA and BHSSA grant programs, aiming to release the next RFPs in Fall 2026. Key Reports and Policy Developments → The next biennial report to the Legislature on FSPs will be released in November 2026. → The BHSSA evaluation will be completed and scheduled for publication in Spring 2027. → The Legislative and External Affairs Committee will develop and bring forward sponsored legislation for the 2026 legislative session. New Leadership For 2026, the Commission has unanimously elected Al Rowlett, representing the mental health professional seat, as Chair, and Rayshell Chambers, representing the mental health peer seat, as Vice Chair. They are poised to steer the Commission’s continued efforts in transparency and accountability and will be instrumental in guiding strategic initiatives and the critical BHSA implementation. Image courtesy of WETA. 17