California’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Provider Shortage

California is facing a critical shortage of mental health and substance use disorder providers, a gap particularly pronounced within Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. This behavioral health workforce shortage is a significant barrier to meeting the rising demand among Californians across ages, races, and zip codes for essential mental health and substance use disorder services.

Behavioral health providers often cite cumbersome reimbursement policies as their primary reason for not participating in Medi-Cal. However, they also express that more streamlined enrollment and payment systems could significantly enhance their willingness to participate in Medi-Cal.

The brief summarizes:

• California’s Medi-Cal behavioral health provider onboarding and credentialing requirements
• Compares Medi-Cal behavioral health provider onboarding to those of other states
• Steps California could take to expand access to Medi-Cal behavioral health services

Learn how there is room to streamline Medi-Cal behavioral health provider enrollment and credentialing.