California Healthline: Mental Health

Addictions, Disorders Up for Changes in New DSM Edition

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Changes to more than 12 categories of addictions and disorders -- including eating and substance use disorders -- are among the proposed changes to the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is expected to be released in May 2013. The changes could make it easier for physicians to get reimbursed for alcohol and drug screenings and counseling sessions. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.

Inmates With Mental Illnesses Wait Months in Jail Before Treatment

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Advocates for prison inmates are criticizing the practice of holding individuals with mental illnesses in jail for months until beds at state hospitals become available. Certain inmates have waited three to six months in jail before receiving treatment, experts say. Sacramento Bee.

Army Launches Review of PTSD Diagnoses Since 2001

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the U.S. Army launched a review into how its medical facilities have diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and other behavioral health issues since 2001. Researchers will use statistical data from a cross section of cases and retirement evaluations from Army hospitals nationwide. The review comes after recent reports that some PTSD diagnoses were improperly reversed based on the associated costs and benefits to the military. Washington Post et al.

Unions at Odds Over Bill That Would Arm Mental Hospital Police Officers

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association supports an Assembly bill that would allow police officers at state mental hospitals to carry guns. However, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians says the bill is potentially hazardous. Sacramento Bee.

Report: Mental Health Strides Made in San Joaquin County

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

San Joaquin County has delivered improved mental health services to residents since the passage of California's 2004 Mental Health Services Act, according to a summary report presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. According to the report -- presented by Behavioral Health Services Director Vic Singh and a private consultant -- the county had a 77% reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations for mental health conditions in 2011. Stockton Record.

Laura's Law Advocate Objects to Plan

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Assembly Committee on Health on Tuesday approved a proposal designed to change the way some counties handle people who are having a mental health crisis.

"Consumers, mental health professionals, law enforcement and others are working side-by-side developing ways to de-escalate crisis situations, while reaching out to consumers and providing much-needed mental health services," said Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata), author of AB 2134.

"This bill simply tells counties to have a best practice in place for crisis response before proceeding with the countywide involuntary treatment program," Chesbro said. "It's that simple."

Appeals Court Reverses Ruling on VA Mental Health Lawsuit

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, a federal appeals court reversed a 2011 ruling requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to reform its mental health care system. The appeals court ruled that the delays veterans face when seeking mental health care are not unconstitutional and that only the president or Congress could impose such an overhaul. An attorney for the veterans groups that filed the original lawsuit said they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reuters, AP/Sacramento Bee.

State Assembly Passes Bill To Extend Mental Health Law Until 2017

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Assembly has passed a bill that would extend until 2017 Laura's Law, which allows court-ordered treatment for certain residents with mental health conditions. However, some lawmakers say that compulsory treatment is counterproductive. AP/U-T San Diego.

New Data: Nursing Homes Frequently Use Antipsychotics

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In 2010, one in five U.S. nursing homes provided residents with antipsychotics to treat symptoms for which the medications had not been approved by federal regulators, according to a recent Boston Globe investigation. While prescribing medications off label is legal, both FDA and CMS -- which regulates nursing homes -- have said it is inappropriate to prescribe antipsychotics for dementia patients. Boston Globe.

California Child Psychiatric Hospitals Scarce, Scattered

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Forty-five California counties do not have psychiatric hospitals for children and adolescents. As a result, families have to travel long distances to seek care as county-run crisis centers and hospital emergency departments are not equipped to handle many of the cases. For Fresno families, the nearest child psychiatric hospital is more than 100 miles away in Bakersfield. Fresno Bee.

Opinion: Tell Gov., Legislature 'No More Mental Health Cuts'

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Ventura County Star opinion piece, Ratan Bhavnani -- executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness' Ventura County affiliate -- argues that "there is a high cost" to cutting funding for mental health services, noting that the "burdens only get shifted elsewhere." The Republican state budget plan includes "a $1.3 billion diversion of voter-approved Mental Health Services Act funds to help balance the state budget," Bhavnani writes. He concludes, "tell the governor and the Legislature: please, no more mental health cuts. It's time to protect and strengthen mental health care." Ventura County Star.

California Community Clinics Integrate Mental Health, Clinical Care

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Many California community clinics are using federal health reform law funding to transition to the medical home model of care. However, efforts to expand access to comprehensive care largely depend on the Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of the overhaul. HealthyCal.

Committee Discusses Mental Health, Care Delivery Issues at VA

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a Senate panel hearing, a former mental health administrator at the Department of Veterans Affairs said that VA's mental health care system has focused more on meeting performance goals than on providing quality care. Washington Post's "Federal Eye" et al.

Mental Health Recurring Theme at Conference

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Starting with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who set the tone on the first day, mental health care and its role in the evolving health care system emerged as a recurring theme last week at the Association of Health Care Journalists' annual conference in Atlanta.

Editorial: Time for a National Dialogue on Veterans' Care

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that "[a]gonizing rehabilitation, PTSD, depression and suicide are real and frightening issues that affect not only our returning military, but their families as well." The editorial concludes, "It is time for a national discussion about how we can better treat our nation's veterans." Contra Costa Times.

Opinion: Mental Health Bill Needs Rehabilitation Provision

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Palm Springs Desert Sun opinion piece, California Treatment Advocacy Foundation Executive Director Phillip Greer writes that a bill -- by Assembly member Jim Beall -- that would expand mental health services covered by private insurers should be "amended to protect those individuals specifically in need of alcohol and drug rehabilitation, but who are often denied such care by their health insurance carriers." Greer writes, "For far too long, health insurance companies have imposed barriers that reduce access to much-need chemical dependency treatment." Palm Springs Desert Sun.

Sacramento Campaign Targets Mental Illness Stigma

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Recently, the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services launched the "Stop Stigma Sacramento" campaign to address negative attitudes and false beliefs about mental illness. The million-dollar, yearlong campaign is being funded by the Mental Health Services Act, also known as Proposition 63. HealthyCal.

Yolo County Awards Three-Year Mental Health Contract

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Turning Point Community Programs has received a three-year contract from Yolo County to operate the Full Service Partnership program, which aims to provide a range of health services to residents with certain mental illnesses. The contract begins July 1 and is fully funded through the Mental Health Services Act. Sacramento Business Journal.

Improvement Plan for Calif. Mental Hospitals Fails, Investigation Finds

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A plan to improve conditions at public mental hospitals in California has not achieved goals set by the U.S. Department of Justice. The state Department of Mental Health has begun reversing some of the changes as rates of violence at certain hospitals continue to increase. Los Angeles Times.

Bill Would Expand Clinics' Hiring Options for Mental Health Care Providers

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Palm Springs has a problem that is shared in rural communities across California, according to J.M. Evosevich, a marriage and family therapist from Palm Springs who is a past president of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Evosevich said at a recent Assembly hearing that clinics throughout rural California have a problem: They can't find enough social workers to take care of people's mental health needs.

"There's a waiting list for people that need mental health care, and they can't provide it because they don't have the [mental health] providers," Evosevich said. "We are uniquely qualified to deal with marriage and family therapies. And those services are lacking in our area."

AB 1785 by Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) aims to change. The bill came before the Assembly Committee on Health last week.

UC Researchers Find Text Messages Benefit Patients

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers from UC-Berkeley and UC-San Francisco have found that automated text messages that include medication reminders or questions about patients' moods are beneficial to patients with depression and other mental health problems. San Francisco Business Times.

Task Force Calls for Overhaul of California Mental Health Law

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A task force is seeking changes to a 1967 state mental health law. The task force is calling for several reforms, including broadening the terms of involuntary commitment and standardizing how the law is applied. Los Angeles Times.

One in 88 U.S. Children Has Autism or Related Condition, CDC Finds

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new CDC study finds that about one in 88 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism or a related disorder by age eight. Health officials say autism diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, partly because of improved awareness about the condition. New York Times et al.

Mental Health Funds Used as Intended, Opinion Piece Says

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, John Grohol -- founder and editor-in-chief of the website Psych Central -- counters recent arguments that money from Proposition 63, or the Mental Health Services Act of 2004, "isn't going to the programs it was intended to fund." He writes that funding from the law is "going to a wide range of hundreds of programs and services in each county in California that help children, adults and seniors who have mental disorders. Exactly as was intended." Capitol Weekly.

Study: Much of Mental Health Panel Has Ties to Rx Industry

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

About 69% of the members of a panel revising the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have current or past financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, according to a new report published in the journal PLoS Medicine. Lisa Cosgrove of the University of Massachusetts-Boston and Sheldon Krimsky of Tufts University School of Medicine -- the report's authors -- found that 16 of the approximately 140 members of the panel are California-based physicians and researchers. California Watch.

Institute of Aging Hotline Aids Seniors With Mental Issues

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In 2011, California's Friendship Line -- a 24-hour telephone hotline run by the Institute of Aging -- received about 18,000 phone calls and made 40,000 calls to assist seniors. Operators make calls to remind seniors to take their medications or offer support for those with mental health issues. The hotline, which also aims to reduce the rate of suicide among seniors, recently secured funding from the California Mental Health Services Authority to expand its presence in the state. HealthyCal.

Report Calls for Reforming Calif.'s Mental Health Treatment Law

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by mental health advocates finds that residents with the most severe mental illnesses do not have adequate access to treatment. It calls for overhauling the 45-year-old Lanterman-Petris-Short Act and further implementing Laura's Law. KPCC's "KPCC News" et al.

Counties, EDs Could Benefit from Pilot Project

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California's emergency psychiatric demonstration project, approved this week by CMS, may help counties deal with financial stress from a payment system half a century old.

"This is a great opportunity for California to participate in a demonstration that will help ensure patients receive appropriate, high-quality care when they need it most," Norman Williams of the DHCS said. The project will provide "reimbursement to private psychiatric hospitals for certain services for which Medicaid reimbursement has historically been unavailable," Williams said.

That is good news for counties, crowded hospital emergency departments and patients with acute psychiatric problems, according to Patricia Ryan, executive director of the California Mental Health Directors Association.

Calif. To Receive Funds for Medicaid Mental Health Pilot Program

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS awarded $75 million to California, the District of Columbia and 10 other states for a Medicaid demonstration program aimed at expanding access to emergency psychiatric care. The program was authorized by the federal health reform law. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Health District OKs $4.5M for San Mateo County Programs

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, the Peninsula Health Care District Board of Directors announced it recently approved $4.5 million in funding to support two San Mateo County programs. The board awarded $4 million over three years for the Healthy Schools Initiative, which funds nursing positions, physical education classes and school-based health clinics. It also approved a four-year, $500,000 grant to fund a full-time psychiatric resident physician in the county's Behavioral Health Program. San Francisco Business Times.

Senator Introduces Bills To Curb Violence at Mental Hospitals

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State Sen. Sam Blakeslee has introduced a bill that would keep certain individuals with drug use disorders out of state mental hospitals and another that would make assaulting hospital staff a felony for certain mental health patients. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

Organizing the Mental Health of California

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Assembly member Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata) is nothing if not optimistic.

But at last week's Assembly hearing on mental health issues, even he was having a little trouble trying to make lemonade of the budget cuts to mental health services.

"We have gotten to the point where we're cutting things that were originally designed to save costs," Chesbro said of one particular mental health-related program, the caregiver resource centers.

"At this point," Chesbro said, "we're like the farmer eating his seed corn."

Lawmakers To Launch Probe Into Investigations of Patient Abuse

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Lawmakers plan to investigate why most cases involving deaths and injuries of patients with developmental disabilities at state institutions are not being seen through to prosecution. California Watch, KQED's "California Report."

Hearing Examines States' Behavioral Health Restructuring

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The state has big plans for restructuring the behavioral health system in California. State legislators held a rare four-committee joint hearing this week to hear about the details of that reorganization, and to raise concerns about it.

"We understand the need to streamline and cut costs," Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) said, "but at what cost?"

Assembly member Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said California's consumers must be at the center of all discussion about changing health care policies and programs.

"I think it is critical to pause, as a body," Mitchell said, "to make sure consumers aren't harmed by this streamlining of our departments."

Some Detained Immigrants Have 'Serious' Mental Illnesses

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As many as 1,000 undocumented immigrants detained in the U.S. have a "serious mental illness," according to attorneys filing a class-action lawsuit on behalf of detainees in California, Arizona and Washington. The lawsuit argues that the federal government has denied immigrants with mental illnesses their due process rights and violated federal anti-discrimination laws by not permitting them to have court-appointed attorneys. California Watch.

Sacramento County Tackles Ethnic, Age Health Disparities

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with eight county agencies to participate in a 30-month initiative to determine mental health services that specific ethnic or age groups need and what obstacles prevent them from obtaining those services. The initiative -- estimated to cost about $1.6 million annually -- will be funded through the 2004 Mental Health Services Act. Sacramento Bee.

State Mental Health Department Saw High Pay Increases in 2011

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State worker payrolls in 2011 increased by $500 million largely because of reduced employee furlough days. The Department of Mental Health saw one of the biggest payroll increases last year at nearly $50 million, and it had the two highest-paid state employees. Sacramento Bee.

Opinion: Mental Health Funds Are Not Being Used Correctly

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, DJ Jaffe -- founder and executive director of Mental Illness Policy Org. -- argues that the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission "is diverting" funding from the Mental Health Services Act to "committees, consultants, PR firms, publishers, art directors" and other uses "instead of programs for people with severe mental illness." Jaffe offers several suggestions to address the issue. Capitol Weekly.

Blue Shield, CDI Reach Settlement on Coverage of Autism Therapy

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Shield of California has reached a settlement with the California Department of Insurance to cover behavioral therapy as a treatment for autism under the state's Mental Health Parity Law. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Jose Mercury News.

Study Looks for Symptoms of Trauma in S.F. Schools

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Seven San Francisco middle schools are participating in a federal survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education that examines mental, physical and emotional symptoms from stressful events in the lives of students. Early results from the four-year, $3.4 million study show that about five or six children in every classroom have the symptoms, which can increase their risk for post-traumatic stress disorder or other trauma-related issues. San Francisco Chronicle.

Assembly Passes Mental Health, Addiction Coverage Bill

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

To Assembly member Jim Beall (D-San Jose), it just makes sense. When private insurers fail to cover addiction and mental health services, he said, the cost of those illnesses fall on the state.

"If you don't treat it, it gets worse. If it gets worse, it gets shoved over to the public sector," Beall said. "And then, if it gets shoved into the public sector, it gets worse. Then they end up in prison, with a substance abuse or mental health problem in prison, and this is costing the state way too much money. We need to stop the cycle."

Beall is the author of AB 154, a bill requiring insurers to cover mental health and addiction services, which passed the Assembly floor late last week.

Court Agrees to New Mental Health Plan for Sacramento County

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A federal district judge yesterday approved the final settlement of a lawsuit that challenged a plan by Sacramento County to restructure and downsize its mental health system. Yesterday's settlement means mental health services will remain at their current levels in the county -- and, in fact, may even improve, given a number of proposals the county still hopes to adopt.

The county hopes to save money by consolidating two county-operated clinics into one, according to Mary Ann Bennett, director of the county's Division of Mental Health.

"One of them is in a leased facility," Bennett said. "So we want to get out of the leased facility, and we will get some savings there."

Psychiatric Group To Revise Autism Diagnostic Criteria

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A panel convened by the American Psychiatric Association is proposing changes to the definition of autism for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. About 25% of individuals diagnosed with autism under the previous guidelines would no longer fit the new criteria. As a result, many individuals who rely on government programs could lose those benefits because some of those services depend on an official diagnosis. New York Times.

Sacramento County Starts Mental Health Campaign

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services launched a countywide media campaign designed to encourage individuals to seek treatment and to increase awareness of mental illness. This year, the county plans to spend $800,000 on the campaign, which will include commercials and public service announcements. The county campaign is part of a $12 million statewide initiative. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News."

Groups, Sacramento County Settle Mental Health Lawsuit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, mental health advocates announced a settlement in a lawsuit filed against Sacramento County in 2010 over budget cuts to mental health care. In an effort to cut costs, the county planned to replace mental health clinics run under competitively bid contracts with clinics staffed by county employees. Under the settlement, about 5,000 adults with significant psychiatric disabilities will continue to receive outpatient care from their existing contract providers. Sacramento Bee.

Panel Examines Disparities Facing Male Minority Groups

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color in California convened a public hearing to discuss the disparities in health care and other social services that young black and Latino men and boys face in schools and communities. The committee heard from elected officials, religious leaders, community activists, educators and students to gather ideas on how to address such obstacles. Similar meetings are scheduled over the coming months. Oakland Tribune et al.

L.A. County Jailers Use Force More Frequently on Mentally Ill Inmates

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department report finds that jailers are more likely to use force on inmates with mental health conditions than other prisoners. Sheriff Lee Baca has responded by adding more deputies trained in using non-violent methods. Los Angeles Times.

First Lady's Initiative Aims To Boost Research on PTSD, TBI

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, first lady Michelle Obama announced a new initiative, as part of her "Joining Forces" campaign, in which more than 100 medical schools will commit to increasing research and training on treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The initiative is intended to provide military-focused training to physicians beyond those who work at military medical centers or military bases. The initiative will not provide funding to the participating schools, but schools will be able to make individual decisions on how to integrate the additional training and research into their curriculum. AP/Washington Post, MedPage Today.

Catholic Healthcare West Gives Out $647K in Grants

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Catholic Healthcare West has awarded $647,000 in funding to 21 not-for-profit organizations in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will go organizations that provide primary care, mental health care and housing services. CHW Senior Vice President of Operations Michael Taylor said the grants are intended to "help fill the gaps that exist in our region's safety net as a result of the current economy and lack of public funding." Sacramento Bee.

Low Income Health Plan Offers Ways To Expand Mental Health Services

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Low Income Health Program aims to expand access to mental health care in California by setting minimum guidelines for mental health care, such as providing beneficiaries with up to 10 days of acute inpatient treatment and up to 12 outpatient treatments annually. HealthyCal.

Calif. Prison Realignment Plan Sparks Medical Care Concerns

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The state has begun to shift supervision of newly released state prisoners to county probation agencies as part of its efforts to reduce prison overcrowding and cut costs. However, officials in Los Angeles and other counties are discovering that many of the inmates lack complete medical records and suffer from serious mental health issues. Officials warn that counties might not have the resources to provide adequate care to the former inmates. Los Angeles Times.

Editorial Calls for State To Revise Mental Health Laws

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Sacramento Bee editorial states that Laura's Law -- a 2002 state law allowing counties to be more assertive in treating people with mental illness -- is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2013, and California's legislative leaders "ought to seize the opportunity to strengthen the law." The editorial argues that California's mental health care regulations have several shortcomings, including restrictions on the types of mental health care services that can be funded through Proposition 63. According to the editorial, state lawmakers "should undertake a longer-term review" of the state's mental health care laws and "leave their mark by helping people who, through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves." Sacramento Bee.

Officials Working To Curb Increasing Violence at State Mental Hospitals

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Mental health and criminal justice officials are seeking ways to reduce acts of violence committed by patients in California's mental hospitals. About 90% of such patients have been sent there via the criminal justice system. NPR's "Morning Edition."

Mental Health Services Heading to DHCS

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Integration of care is one of the touchstones of the health care reform conversation. It's a big and complicated task, though, to integrate health care for the 7.5 million Californians on Medi-Cal.

The state is taking a big step toward that goal by shifting Medi-Cal mental health benefits away from the Department of Mental Health and into the Department of Health Care Services by July 1 of next year. The idea is to incorporate mental health care and substance abuse treatment into people's overall health care, so that it's not a segmented benefit.

The tricky part is the transition, because you don't want a disruption in care while you're changing that organizational structure, according to Toby Douglas, director of DHCS.

State Nurses Collecting Unusually High Payouts From Working Overtime

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Data analyzed by Bloomberg show that some California nurses working in state mental health hospitals and prisons are able to boost their salaries to unusually high totals by working overtime. State officials are seeking strategies to curb overtime work. Bloomberg.

Advocates, Business Groups Raising Concerns About State's New Autism Coverage Mandate

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nicole Evans of the California Association of Health Plans, Henry Loubet of the insurance brokerage firm Keenan and Lorri Unumb of Autism Speaks spoke with California Healthline about the benefits and shortcomings of a new state law requiring private insurers to cover certain autism therapies.

Yuba County Clinic Expands Integrated Health Services

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

This year, the Harmony Health Medical Clinic in Yuba County opened a new natural birthing center and expanded its mental health care services for Yuba College students. The services are in addition to a range of social services and other physical health, mental health and reproductive health care the clinic provides. The clinic has about 60,000 visits annually. HealthyCal.

Mental Health Workers Concerned With California's Overhaul Plans

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Mental health care workers are expressing concern that the state's plan to eliminate hundreds of staff positions could compromise patient care. The plan is part of a larger mental health care overhaul under way in the state. AP/San Jose Mercury News.

Two Faces of Mental Health Treatment in California

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

County and community mental health care providers are optimistic about a major overhaul of California's mental health services that includes plans for a new state agency and a realignment of management and funding.

Mental Health Officials Announce Proposals for Overhauling State Care

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The state Department of Mental Health has unveiled a plan for overhauling its programs. The plan includes creating a Department of State Hospitals to replace the existing mental health department and eliminating 600 state hospital jobs. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.

Interactive Mental Health Program Aims To Help Police

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Santa Clara County Mental Health Department launched a new interactive video simulation program to teach law enforcement personnel how to approach issues and situations involving individuals with mental health conditions. The program requires officers to react to different scenarios, which are controlled by a trainer using a computer. The Palo Alto Police Department will use the program in its officer training programs, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department and police from San Jose are expected to use the program. San Jose Mercury News.

California Settles Lawsuit on Children's Mental Health Care

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A judge has finalized a settlement requiring the state to provide foster children and at-risk children with mental health care services through Medi-Cal. Advocates had said the state failed to provide the care the children needed. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.

Dual Eligibles a Tricky Population To Manage

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The state Department of Health Care Services wants to integrate care for about 1.1 million dual eligibles in California -- people eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal services -- by moving them to managed care plans.

"These two insurance programs don't necessarily work well together," according to Neal Adams, deputy director of the California Institute for Mental Health. "The benefit design is not equal across all platforms."

Adams was part of a stakeholder summit convened last week by DHCS to discuss the dual eligible demonstration project. It was the first of three stakeholder meetings this month. Others are scheduled Dec. 12 in San Francisco and Dec. 15 in Los Angeles.

Study: Many Californians' Mental Health Needs Are Not Being Met

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research concludes that nearly two million Californians have mental health conditions that need to be treated but that many do not actually receive the care they require. United Press International et al.

Mental Health Needs High, Treatment Low

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

About two million Californians are under stress and need some kind of mental health care -- and are not getting the help they need, according to a UCLA study released yesterday.

"There are a lot of people with mental health needs, and they aren't getting adequate care," UCLA researcher David Grant said. "Men are less likely to seek and receive the care they need, and immigrants definitely aren't getting their care needs met. And even native-born Latinos and Asians are unlikely to seek treatment, so that's a definite target for the state to consider."

The report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research is based on 2007 data from the California Health Interview Survey.

Union Calls on State To Investigate Kaiser's Mental Health Care

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The National Union of Healthcare Workers is asking state regulators to look into allegations that Kaiser Permanente violates state regulations governing timely access to mental health care. Kaiser disputes the allegations. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Business Journal.

For Mentally Ill, Home Is Where the Health Home Pilot Is

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Which grant was buried in the week's news? Rhode Island won a big award for its health insurance exchange efforts, but a second CMS announcement -- that the Ocean State was approved for a Health Home Medicaid project -- could have major implications for mental health care.

Prison Doctors Accused of Malpractice Earn Full Pay for Little or No Work

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

State data show that California prisons have paid physicians and mental health professionals accused of malpractice about $8.7 million since 2006 for doing no work or performing menial tasks while awaiting the state's decision on whether they should be terminated. Los Angeles Times.

Court Agrees To Rehear Case on VA Mental Health Care

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a brief issued Wednesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco accepted the Obama administration's request to review a May ruling that allows veterans' groups to file lawsuits against the Department of Veterans Affairs to accelerate the delivery of care for veterans with mental health issues. The Department of Justice argued that Congress in laws regulating veterans' health care had intended "to prevent the courts from second-guessing the VA's performance of these critical functions." The brief did not indicate when the court's full 11-judge panel would rehear the case, which was filed in 2007 by Veterans United for Truth and Veterans for Common Sense. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.

Audit: Sacramento County Meeting Mental Health Needs

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new audit from a private consultant and the California Department of Mental Health found that Sacramento County's mental health system has responded in innovative ways to the closure of a crisis unit and the loss of beds at another facility because of budget constraints. The audit concluded that the county is meeting the needs of mental health patients but that some patients have complaints about access to care. Sacramento Bee.

Federal Oversight of Two Calif. Mental Hospitals Ends

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Patton State Hospital and Atascadero State Hospital no longer are subject to federal oversight under a consent judgment on patient care that state and federal officials reached in 2006, according to an order issued Monday by a federal judge in Los Angeles. However, the judge extended until Dec. 2 the consent judgment for two other mental hospitals -- Napa State Hospital and Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk. The federal government sued the state to force reforms in the four hospitals after reports found poor treatment planning, overuse of medication and restraints, and inadequate patient safety. Los Angeles Times.

States Have Cut $1.7B in Mental Health Care Funding

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have reduced their mental health budgets by nearly $1.7 billion since fiscal year 2009, according to a report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The report found that California, New York and Illinois collectively accounted for $1.2 billion in mental health budget cuts. According to NAMI, the budget cuts were exacerbated in June with the expiration of $87 billion in federal stimulus aid to state Medicaid programs, which led states to shift funds from mental health services to their Medicaid programs. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Kaiser's Mental Health Patients Forced To Wait for Care, Study Finds

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study by the National Union of Healthcare Workers finds that mental health care patients seeking care at Kaiser Permanente facilities often are forced to wait longer than the 10-day state requirement. Kaiser officials say the study's data do not match their own. USA Today.

Insurance Commissioner Files Brief Supporting Mental Health Ruling

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has filed an amicus brief in support of a ruling that California's Mental Health Parity Act requires health insurance companies to fully cover serious mental health conditions, including anorexia and autism. Lake County News.

Opinion: Autism Treatment Coverage Law 'Inequitable'

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new law requiring insurers to cover an autism treatment called applied behavioral analysis is "inequitable, as it exempts large numbers of Californians from coverage," Henry Loubet -- chief strategy officer for Keenan & Associates and a Payers & Providers editorial board member -- writes in a Payers & Providers opinion piece. According to Loubet, the law "exempts from coverage plans provided to the approximately 1.3 [million] enrollees in the enormous California Public Employees Retirement System" because it "imposes an additional annual cost of about $850 million on private health plans [but] allows CalPERS to simply ignore the issue entirely." Loubet concludes, "I strongly urge the Legislature to revisit this imbalance in SB 946 and correct a law that not only impacts private industry but also the families and children of public employees." Payers & Providers.

Ruling Raises Questions for Mental Health Coverage

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An appellate court ruling in favor of a Blue Shield of California policyholder with anorexia could change how health insurers cover mental illness. However, health plans and advocates are divided on the ruling's effects.

Agency Doles Out $11.2M for Mental Health Campaign

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The California Mental Health Services Authority has selected the Sacramento-based public relations firm Runyon Saltzman & Einhorn to lead a team in conducting a three-year, $11.2 million statewide social marketing campaign aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions. The firm is one of eight organizations selected by the state for the initiative, which has a total budget of $40 million over three years. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.

Eating Disorder Ruling Sparks Debate Over Mental Health Parity

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The insurance industry and patient advocates are monitoring the effects of a recent federal court's ruling that California health insurers must cover residential treatment for mental health conditions such as anorexia under the state's Mental Health Parity Act. New York Times.

Community Colleges To Receive $7M for Mental Health Training

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The California Mental Health Services Authority has awarded community colleges nearly $7 million to help train faculty and staff on how to respond to students who have mental health conditions. Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

San Bernardino County OKs Health Services Consolidation

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors recently approved a plan to consolidate several public health and behavioral health services in a single building in Rialto. The facility currently serves as the county Behavioral Health Department's resource center. Under the new plan, the facility also will offer clinic services from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's Westside Family Health Center and services from the county Public Health Department's Rialto Women, Infants and Children program. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Settlement Would Boost Foster Children's Mental Health Care

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A preliminary settlement between children's advocates and state agencies would require California to provide more mental health care for children who are in or are soon to be in foster care. The settlement is expected to be finalized in December. California Watch.

Groups Seek Restored Funding for Services for Those With Disabilities

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County filed a lawsuit seeking to block the state from slashing reimbursement for programs that provide services for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.

S.F. Program Targets Patients With Diabetes, Mental Illness

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Two UC-San Francisco graduate nursing students have launched a program, called SF Empower, that aims to help patients who have a mental illness, and diabetes or a high risk of developing diabetes, cope with the disease and stay healthy. The program operates out of Glide Health Services in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. Shawna Mitchell Sisler, who developed the program with Erin Lutes, noted that common techniques used to manage diabetes might not work the same way for individuals with severe mental or emotional ailments. San Francisco Chronicle.

Santa Cruz County Advances Plan for Mental Health Center

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve a project to build a new $12 million mental health center, which will replace the behavioral health services currently provided by Dominican Hospital. The county-owned, 16,000-square-foot facility will include 16 beds, and an admissions and evaluation area. Dominican Hospital will contribute $5 million toward the project as part of an effort to terminate a contract with the county for behavioral health services. Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Parents Press Brown To Approve Bill Clarifying Coverage for Autism

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Parents of children with autism are urging Gov. Brown to sign legislation that would require health insurers to cover applied behavioral analysis treatment. Insurers say the treatment is educational, not medical. Brown has until Oct. 9 to make a decision. Ventura County Star.

Ventura County Opens Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, a short-term rehabilitation center for individuals with mental health issues opened in Ventura County. The 15-bed Anka-Ventura Crisis Residential Treatment Center is designed to provide treatment to those who need more intensive care than what is offered in outpatient settings but do not require psychiatric hospital care. The center is designed for adults ages 18 to 60. Ventura County Star.

Hospital EDs Struggling To Care for More Mental Health Patients

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

More patients with mental health issues are seeking care in emergency departments when many EDs are dealing with budget cuts and crowding issues. Hospitals say a Los Angeles County policy could exacerbate the ED crowding issue. Los Angeles Times.

Rate Regulation Bill Stalls; Other Health-Related Measures Advance

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Legislation that would allow regulators to reject health plan rate hikes has been shelved in the Senate. Proponents of the bill plan to drum up support for it for next year. Meanwhile, lawmakers have passed several other health-related measures. Capitol Weekly et al.

Preliminary Ruling on Autism Treatment Coverage Stands

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A preliminary ruling by a Sacramento Superior Court judge denying an attempt by HMOs to receive a quick decision as to whether health insurers must cover a certain autism treatment will stand. The California Association of Health Plans, which had filed a lawsuit claiming that only lawmakers can mandate a new insurance benefit, did not request a hearing following the tentative ruling. A new court date on the issue has not been set. Sacramento Business Journal.

Federal Appeals Court Rules Insurer Must Pay for Anorexia Treatment

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An appeals court has ruled Blue Shield of California must pay for anorexia treatment, citing provisions of the state Mental Health Parity Act. The ruling could have implications for how insurers pay for treatment in states with mental health parity laws. Los Angeles Times et al.

State Employees Misused California Funds, Audit Finds

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report released by the California Bureau of State Audits on Thursday shows that Arthur Kassel, a Department of Mental Health employee appointed by former Gov. Wilson, was paid more than $51,000 to attend high-profile celebrity events that Auditor Elaine Howle said did not benefit the agency or the state. The report also found that a state psychologist employed at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation used state equipment during regular work hours to conduct business for his private practice, costing the state more than $212,000 in lost productivity over five years. Sacramento Bee's "The State Worker" et al.

Institute of Medicine Finds No Link Between Immunizations, Autism

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

For a new Institute of Medicine report, researchers reviewed more than 1,000 studies and found no evidence suggesting a link between vaccines and autism. The report finds that vaccines are associated with certain adverse effects only in rare cases. New York Times et al.

Tentative Court Ruling Denies Quick Resolution of Autism Therapy Issue

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Sacramento Superior Court judge has issued a preliminary ruling blocking a move by the California Association of Health Plans to obtain a quick resolution on whether health plans must cover a certain treatment for children with autism. Sacramento Business Journal.

Opinion: Calif. Mental Health Programs Misspending Funds

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, DJ Jaffe -- founder and executive director of Mental Illness Policy Org. -- and Mary Bernard -- an attorney for Mental Illness Policy Org. -- write that many county mental health departments have accepted state mental health funding through Proposition 63 but "have intentionally diverted funds away from severe mental illness." Jaffe and Bernard offer examples of counties that use Prop. 63 funds for programs that do not target people with severe mental illnesses. They write, "Laws and regulations should be put in place to ensure services that help the severely ill … go to the front of the funding line, rather than the back." Capitol Weekly.

Bill Would Ban Certain Items From Mental Health Hospitals

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Assembly and Senate unanimously have approved a bill by Sen. Sam Blakeslee that would make it a misdemeanor for a visitor to bring contraband into state mental health hospitals. Under the measure, visitors who bring unauthorized wireless communication devices, tobacco products or currency into such facilities would receive a $1,000 fine for each item. The measure is before Gov. Brown. San Luis Obispo New Times.

State Mental Hospital Issues in Spotlight at Assembly Panel Hearing

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, mental health care officials told an Assembly committee that they are struggling to hire staff for California's mental health hospitals. Panel members also heard recommendations to reduce violence at facilities. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

Obama Administration Challenges Court Ruling on Care for Veterans

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration has challenged a ruling by a federal appeals court in San Francisco that would allow veterans groups to seek court action to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to accelerate care for veterans with mental health issues. San Francisco Chronicle.

Editorial Lauds Housing Plan for Those With Health Issues

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The recent opening of Renaissance at Trinity -- a 20-unit apartment complex for homeless individuals with mental health and medical issues in southwest Fresno -- "is a major step forward," a Fresno Bee editorial states. "While Trinity is not a treatment facility, it will provide supportive services for those with serious mental illness," the editorial notes, adding that many individuals with mental illness "need help ... in managing their treatment issues." The editorial concludes, "The Housing Authorities' commitment to this segment of the homeless population is to be commended." Fresno Bee.

State's Mental Health Care Realignment Plan Draws Support, Concern

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Advocates are expressing cautious optimism over Gov. Brown's plan to revamp California's mental health care system, but others are raising concerns about the possible changes. The governor's plan involves shifting management duties from the state to counties. Capitol Weekly.

Prison Officials Expect State Will Meet Goal To Reduce Overcrowding

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has filed papers saying it expects to meet court-imposed deadlines to reduce prison overcrowding. Federal judges said overcrowding was negatively affecting inmate health care. San Jose Mercury News et al.