In the United States, mental health and substance use treatment is largely funded by government programs, with Medicaid being the primary source. In California, this program is known as Medi-Cal. Unlike many other states where Medicaid is administered at the state level, in California, most specialty behavioral health care is managed by county governments, while other systems manage physical health care. This fragmentation creates a challenging landscape for patients, providers, and administrators alike.

CHCF collaborates with a diverse array of partners, including state health agencies, counties, advocates, providers, and patients. In our policy work we seek to demystify this complex system, offering clear and practical insights to policymakers at every level to make the behavioral health care system more understandable and effective for both those receiving and those delivering care.