San Diego City Wire

The County of San Diego is progressing in its plan to expand the region's public behavioral health workforce. Local organizations are invited to participate in upcoming input sessions, which will focus on new contracting opportunities to support this expansion. A 2022 workforce assessment indicated a need for an additional 18,500 behavioral health workers by 2027 to meet the region's demand for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Funding for these new initiatives is sourced from $75 million provided by the Mental Health Services Act Innovation funding. The funds were approved by California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, aiming to establish a unique workforce development and retention program. The Policy & Innovation Center, located in San Diego, is in charge of managing the County's ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund. This center will conduct initial informational sessions for interested entities and prospective program participants.

The ELEVATE fund will support the creation of four contracted programs, designed to provide and enhance the skills of professionals working in local public behavioral health. From April 1 to April 4, eight virtual input sessions will occur, offering two sessions per program. Detailed information about participation can be found on the County’s Behavioral Health website.

The program is intended to assist around 2,800 individuals over five years, targeting the filling of critical positions and enhancing retention within the local behavioral health system. Qualifying students, current professionals, and individuals with lived experiences in mental health and substance use will be eligible for training or educational advancement opportunities. Funding is expected to be available by the fall semester in accordance with the upcoming school year.

For those in need of behavioral health assistance, help is accessible. Call 9-8-8 or 1-888-724-7240 to speak with a specialist.