Recovery is Possible

When individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders seek help, they are met with the knowledge and belief that anyone can recover and/or manage their conditions successfully.

– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Recovery and Recovery Support

Recovery Services for Californians

The Behavioral Health Recovery Services Project is an effort to increase the number and quality of culturally responsive behavioral health recovery services programs. These programs serve communities throughout California and are tailored to local needs.

Treatment is where it begins, but recovery is lifelong.”

– Focus Group Participant

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), with support from The Center as its administrative entity, is funding organizations across the state to provide behavioral health recovery services to individuals experiencing severe mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and substance use disorder.

Health Equity in Access to Behavioral Health Recovery Services (HEAR US) Phase 2

The HEAR US Phase 2 funding opportunity will support Californian nonprofit organizations in expanding access to and utilization of behavioral health recovery services through a health equity approach that seeks to remove barriers to care for communities of color, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others who have faced discrimination and unequal access to behavioral health care systems. Applications are due by September 19 at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Access the HEAR US Phase 2 request for applications (.pdf)
Read the HEAR US Project White Paper (.pdf)
Watch the HEAR US Phase 2 RFA Webinar (YouTube.com)
Access the HEAR US Phase 2 RFA Webinar slides (.pdf)
Access the Phase 2 FAQs (.pdf)

 
 

Health Equity in Access to Behavioral Health Recovery Services (HEAR US) Phase 1

HEAR US Phase 1 funding awards were up to $100,000 for activities from Nov. 14, 2022, to July 30, 2023, and supported:

  • Participation of specialized behavioral health-focused staff in the standards of care development process
  • Organizing, facilitating and documenting constituency-focused generative listening sessions and/or focus groups to inform the development of the standards of care
  • Training and engagement of funded partners’ constituency to co-lead, facilitate and participate in the standards of care development process focus groups and/or listening sessions

HEAR US Phase 1 Funded Partners

  • California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, Inc.
  • California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
  • California Black Women’s Health Project
  • California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
  • California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies
  • Cal Voices
  • NAMI California
  • Peer Voices of Orange County Inc.
  • Sycamores
  • The Happier Life Project
  • United Parents
  • West Fresno Family Resource Center

People need voice and choice in their service options.”

– Key Stakeholder Interview Participant

An Engaged Community

The project’s initial work consisted of robust community and stakeholder conversations to better understand the:

  • Current landscape of behavioral health recovery services
  • Opportunities to expand the definition of behavioral health recovery services
  • Future needs of behavioral health recovery-oriented services statewide

DHCS is using what it learned from this process to inform the project’s approach to services, as well as the selection of funded partners to work in communities.

The Four Major Dimensions of Recovery

Health

Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being

Home

Having a stable and safe place to live

Purpose

Conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking or creative endeavors, and having the independence, income and resources to participate in society

Community

Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope

It is not just about the formal programs it is about how we build community and how we bring this work to community.”

– Key Stakeholder Interview Participant