In California's Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), BHSS (Behavioral Health Services and Supports) is a major funding category (35% of county funds) for flexible, integrated services like early intervention, outreach, workforce training, and pilot projects, building on the old MHSA's prevention/early intervention and community services. It aims to strengthen county systems, focusing heavily on Early Intervention (EI) for youth and expanding comprehensive care for all ages, integrating mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
BHSS Funding Categories
Early Intervention Programs
Counties must fund a minimum of 51% of the BHSS allocation on Early Intervention. Early Intervention is a proactive approach that identifies and addresses emerging behavioral health concerns early, including at-risk individuals, to prevent escalation into severe or chronic conditions and reduce disparities.
It provides short-term, evidence-based services for those showing early signs of mental health or substance use challenges or exposed to known risk factors.
Children's, Adult, & Older Adult Systems of Care
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds to provide Children's, Adult, and Older Adult Systems of Care services, including substance use disorder services, to BHSA eligible and priority populations. System of care services are those pursuant to Part 4 for the Children's System of Care and Part 3 for the Adult and Older Adult System of Care.
Outreach & Engagement
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Outreach and Engagement (O&E). BHSS funds may be used for activities intended to reach, identify, and engage individuals, families, and communities in the behavioral health system and reduce disparities.
Workforce Education & Training
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Workforce Education and Training (WET). County-operated and/or county-contracted providers that are employed or volunteer in the county behavioral health delivery system may participate in WET activities. Counties should incorporate efforts to increase the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the behavioral health workforce, including incorporating individuals with lived experience into the workforce, across all WET activities.
Capital Facilities & Technological Needs
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Capital Facilities and Technological Needs (CFTN). BHSS CFTN projects include the acquisition and development of land, the construction or renovation of buildings, or the development, maintenance, or improvement of information technology to support behavioral health administration and services.
Innovative Behavioral Health Pilots & Projects
The goal of innovative behavioral health pilots and projects is to build the evidence base for the effectiveness of new statewide strategies. Counties are encouraged to pilot and test innovative behavioral health pilots and projects in all BHSA funding components (Housing Interventions, FSP, and BHSS).
- RUHS - Behavioral Health County Programs
Contact the CARES Access & Referral Line for more information - (800) 499- 3008.
- Youth Hospital Intervention Program (YHIP)
- Youth Connect
- Transforming Our Partnerships for Student Success (TOPSS)
- Youth and Family Community Services
- Preschool 0-5 Programs
- Therapeutic and Residential Assessment and Consultation (TRAC) Team
- Assessment and Consultation Team (ACT)
- Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
- Behavioral Health Navigation Team
- Mobile Crisis Response Team
- Mental Health Urgent Care
- Community Behavioral Assessment Team (CBAT)
- Public Safety and Engagement Team (PSET)
- Parent Support & Education
- Inland SoCal 211+ Helpline 951-686-HELP (4357)
The regional Inland SoCal Crisis and Suicide Helpline is available 24hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals and the call is free and confidential. You can also dial 2-1-1 to be connected with a variety of resources in Riverside County.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Later Life Depression (CBTLLD)
An early intervention program that focuses on structured problem-solving to reduce depression and suicide risk in older adults (60+ years).
Provider: Inland Caregiver Resource Center
Offering service county-wide.
Contact: 1(800) 675-6694
- Program to Encourage Active & Rewarding Lives (PEARLS)
Individual sessions over the course of 19-weeks for people 60 years or older who have minor depression. Utilizes an empowering and skill-building approach.
Provider: Inland Caregiver Resource Center
Offering services countywide.
Contact:1(800) 675-6694
- Mothers & Babies/Madres y Bebés
An 8-week individual or group support program that is a mood management course provided during and after pregnancy for women at risk of post-partum depression.
Provider: Reach Out
Serving the Western Region of Riverside County
Contact: Alejandra Arias, [email protected]
- Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)
CBITS is a group intervention for youth ages 10-15 who have symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including depression and anxiety caused by exposure to violence. It is a 10-week program to work with youth, as well as incorporating parent sessions. This is offered at select sites/locations.
Provider: Jurupa Unified School District (JUDS)
Serving JUSD students only.
Contact: Lizet Rios, [email protected]
Provider: Operation Safehouse
Service select campuses throughout Riverside County
Contact: Kendra Tankersley-Davis, [email protected]
Provider: Special Services for Groups
Serving Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD)
Contact: Jana Garrett, [email protected]
- Bounce Back
Bounce Back is a trauma-focused, school-based program for elementary school students, ages 5-11. The program uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to teach students coping skills, feelings identification, relaxation, problem solving, and social support. Services are provided over 10 sessions in a group setting by master's level clinicians and also include individual sessions with students to process their specific trauma narrative and conjoint sessions with caregiver(s). The goals of Bounce Back include reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression while simultaneously increasing coping skills, resilience and peer and caregiver support.
Provider: Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD)
Serving JUSD students only and select sites
Contact: Lizet Rios, [email protected]
- Stress and Your Mood
An early intervention program used to reduce and treat depression in youth ages 14-19. Services are provided by master's level clinicians in a school-based group setting. The program teaches clients how to identify their symptoms, track their mood, reframe negative/unhelpful thoughts, improve communication skills, and problem solving.
Provider: Operation Safehouse
Service select campuses throughout Riverside County
Contact: Kendra Tankersley-Davis, [email protected]
- Seeking Safety
An 8-week present focused, coping skills program designed to simultaneously help individuals with a history of trauma and substance abuse.
Provider: Operation Safehouse
Services: County-wide
Contact: Kendra Tankersley-Davis, [email protected]
- Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based, short-term intervention program with strong outcomes for youth and their families with behavioral challenges. Key outcomes include:
- reduced delinquency
- decreased recidivism
- decreased justice system involvement
- fewer out-of-home placements
FFT improves family functioning by strengthening communication, reducing conflict, and increasing parental supervision and consistency. FFT is associated with better school attendance and engagement, improved community functioning, and sustained outcomes over time when delivered with fidelity.
Provider: ChildNet
Target Population: High risk youth between the ages of 11 and 18 with behavioral, emotional and substance use issues.
Contact: Amanda Sage, [email protected], (909) 911-5909
- Multisystemic Therapy
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive, evidence-based treatment designed to help adolescents with serious behavioral problems, including chronic delinquency, substance abuse, aggression, and difficulties at home or school. Rather than focusing solely on the individual youth, MST addresses the multiple interconnected systems that influence a young persons' behavior - family, peers, school and broader community. MST therapists work primarily with caregivers to strengthen parenting skills, improve family relationships, and increase the family's ability to manage current and future challenges. Therapists typically carry small caseloads, provide services in the family's natural environment (such as the home or school), and are available to families 24/7 for crisis support. Treatment is time-limited, usually lasting three to five months. MST places a strong emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes. Research has consistently shown that MST can reduce youth criminal behavior, substance use, and out-of-home placements while improving family functioning and school engagement.
Target Population: Youth ages 12 to 17 who are at high risk of out-of-home placement due to serious antisocial, delinquent, or substance abuse behaviors.
Provider: Tessie Cleveland Community Services
Contact: Carissa Delgado, [email protected], (951) 374-1555
- Bereavement Counseling for Suicide Loss Survivors
Provider: Victoria Community Counseling
Free Therapy (up to 8 sessions) both in person or telehealth for suicide loss survivors. To access services, complete the counseling request form on the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) website: https://tiprivco.org/bereavement-counseling/)