Skip to Main Content

​​​​​​

Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT​) Initiative


​The BH-CONNECT initiative is designed to increase access to and strengthen the continuum of community-based behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members living with significant behavioral health needs. BH-CONNECT is comprised of a new five-year Medicaid section 1115 demonstration, State Plan Amendments (SPAs) to expand coverage of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) available under Medi-Cal, and complementary guidance and policies to strengthen behavioral health services statewide.

Key Sections:

  • About BH-CONNECT: BH-CONNECT reduces reliance on facility-based care while strengthening community support to improve access and outcomes for individuals with significant behavioral health needs. Learn more about BH-CONNECT. 
  • Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs): BH-CONNECT expands and clarifies Medi-Cal coverage of adult and children and youth focused evidence-based practices. Discover the evidence-based models and the Centers of Excellence​ that will offer training and technical assistance and support fidelity implementation for BH-CONNECT and Behavioral Health Transformation.
  • Incentive Program: BH-CONNECT supports a $1.9 billion incentive program to reward participating behavioral health plans for demonstrating improvements in access to behavioral health services and outcomes among Medi-Cal members living with significant behavioral health needs. View participation details.
  • Children and Youth Initiatives: BH-CONNECT strengthens family-based services and supports for children and youth living with significant behavioral health needs. Learn more about the children and youth initiatives.​
  • Workforce Initiative: BH-CONNECT bolsters the state's behavioral health workforce by providing training and resources to enhance service quality. Explore the workforce initiatives.
  • Opt-in to BH-CONNECT: BH-CONNECT includes new services and programs available at county option. Learn more and opt-in to BH-CONNECT optional activities.​ 



Last modified date: 2/10/2025 11:49 AM