Behavioral Health Services Assessment in San Mateo County, CA
Our Methodology and Work Plan
Our behavioral health services assessment in San Mateo County, CA, will undertake a comprehensive five-step process to evaluate the current state of services and identify opportunities for improvement. The process includes:
1. Discovery and Planning
2. Stakeholder Interviews
3. Data Collection and Analysis
- Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
- Dr. Jei Africa, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)
- Michael Callagy, County Manager, San Mateo County
- Members of the Board of Supervisors
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo Staff
- Members of the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Commission
We will begin by engaging with community sponsors to confirm goals, clarify data access, and finalize the scope of work. Key outreach efforts will involve:
Next, we will conduct interviews with at least ten influential leaders from various sectors, including:
- CEOs or Executive Directors of the Top Five BHS Service Providers
- Parents of BHRS Clients
- Members of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Commission
- Law Enforcement and Judicial Stakeholders
In this phase, we will compile and analyze a range of critical data, including:
- Service Contracts, Budgets, and Performance Reports
- Utilization Rates and Waitlists
- Staffing Levels and Vacancy Rates
- Cost Data Comparing County-Run Clinics to Contracted Agencies
- Volume and Costs of Behavioral Health Services Currently Contracted Outside the County
- Medicaid Usage Rates and Per Capita Expenditures
- Peer County Comparisons Within the Bay Area
- Compliance with State Requirements for Behavioral Health Service Delivery
- Budget Impacts (Arising from the federal fiscal year starting October 1, 2025, when updated state funding guidance will be implemented.)
4. Synthesis and Drafting
We will compile key themes, summarize findings, and prepare a working draft of the report. This draft will be shared with community sponsors for feedback before finalization.
5. Final Report and Recommendations
The final phase will involve submitting a comprehensive report that includes practical, strategic recommendations. These may include the potential formation of new nonprofit entities, innovative partnership models, and options for effectively closing service gaps.
San Mateo County is approaching a critical juncture in determining how to manage and fund behavioral healthcare. An independent assessment will illuminate effective, long-term solutions that align with community needs.