California Health Care Foundation
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          The California Health Care Foundation is an independent, nonprofit philanthropy that works to improve the health care system so that all Californians have the care they need.

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          CHCF works on many different fronts to support California’s health care system. Explore resources, events, or networks related to each topic.

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          CHCF publishes reports, articles, issue briefs, explainers, data snapshots, infographics, fact sheets, and other resources to help make meaningful change in California’s health care system.

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          CHCF funds projects that are aligned with its strategic goals and relevant to California health care as outlined in these goals.

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        • About Us

          The California Health Care Foundation is an independent, nonprofit philanthropy that works to improve the health care system so that all Californians have the care they need.

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Behavioral Health

Our work in behavioral health addresses the fragmentation and inequities in California’s mental health and substance use disorder systems. We support delivery system improvements and policy reforms that enhance access to effective behavioral health care.

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    Featured Publications

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    Doctor and patient have a friendly conversation.
    Knowledge Center

    Behavioral Health Transformation

    Every Californian deserves to access behavioral health care when and where they need it. Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are treatable, manageable conditions. But too many people suffer while trying to get care, and there are wide disparities in access and outcomes. By focusing on changes that improve patients’ experiences, we can transform our…

    April 30, 2024
    Behavioral Health

    What Is Lay Counseling?

    May 29, 2025
    Behavioral Health, Health Workforce
    Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, Amber Williams

    Santa Cruz Sobering Center Benefits Patients and County Justice System

    November 20, 2024
    Behavioral Health
    Illustratation of supportive housing facility and hospital beds.

    Behavioral Health Treatment Beds and Housing in California: An Explainer

    February 23, 2024
    Behavioral Health
    behavioral health data reforms - Case manager leads wellness group meeting

    What Providers and Administrators Need from Behavioral Health Data Reforms

    April 8, 2025
    Behavioral Health

    Subtopics

    • CalAIM
    • Maternal Mental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Substance Use Disorder

    Recent Resources

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    Resource

    The Rising Trend of Specialized Recuperative Care

    As California’s recuperative care field rapidly expands under CalAIM, providers are discovering that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t adequately meet patient needs. This article profiles four California recuperative care programs that developed specialized services for people in specific demographics, including women and older adults.

    October 8, 2025
    Resource
    External Resource
    Resource

    Resources for Caring for People with Complex Needs

    This page links to resources to help health care and social services providers, as well as people who work at health care plans, improve outcomes for people with complex needs.

    October 1, 2025
    Resource
    Counselor talks to patient
    Resource

    Listening to Californians with Complex Needs: Behavioral Health

    This fact sheet draws from a major research project and examines the experiences of Californians with behavioral health conditions. Participants shared the need for integrated care with fewer eligibility requirements and the importance of care managers with lived experience, especially early in the treatment process.

    September 22, 2025
    Resource
    Quick Read
    Composite image of Californians with complex health needs who participated in interviews about their experiences in Medi-Cal
    Resource

    Listening to Californians with Complex Needs

    Learn about the first-hand experiences of Californians with complex health and social needs as they seek care. Read the full report and its fact sheets from EVITARUS.

    September 22, 2025
    Resource
    Report

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    OAKLAND
    1438 Webster Street #400
    Oakland, CA 94612
    Tel: 510.238.1040 Fax: 510.201.2991
    Directions to CHCF Oakland

    SACRAMENTO
    1415 L Street #820
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Tel: 916.329.4540 Fax: 916.329.4544
    Directions to CHCF Sacramento

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