• Rehabilitation services 

• Prevention and early intervention programs 

2. Regulations 

The primary regulations governing Behavioral Health Services in California are: 

• California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Section 1810.227 

• California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 3.3 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Licensing requirements vary depending on the type of facility or provider: 

• Social Rehabilitation Facilities and Group Homes are licensed by the Department of Social Services (DSS) 

• Addiction Treatment Programs are licensed by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) 

• Individual mental health professionals must be licensed by their respective boards 

4. Responsible State Agency 

Multiple agencies oversee Behavioral Health Services in California: 

• Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) 

• Department of Social Services (DSS) 

• Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (formerly Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission) 

5. Application Process 

The application process varies depending on the type of service or facility. Generally, it involves: 

• Submitting a completed application to the appropriate agency 

• Providing documentation of compliance with state regulations 

• Undergoing facility inspections 

6. Required Documentation 

Required documentation typically includes: 

• Completed application forms 

• Program descriptions and policies 

• Staff qualifications and training records 

• Proof of compliance with state regulations 

• Financial documentation 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for approval varies depending on the type of service or facility. For DHCS licensing, the process typically takes about a year to complete 

8. Pre-Application Process 

Prospective providers should: 

• Research state regulations and requirements 

• Develop a comprehensive business and program plan 

• Secure an appropriate facility 

• Ensure staff meet qualification requirements 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While not always required, some programs may require specific training or certifications for staff members. 

10. Additional Notes 

• The Behavioral Health Services Act, which is part of Proposition 1, is set to replace the Mental Health Services Act of 2004 

• This new act aims to reform behavioral health care funding, prioritizing services for people with the most significant mental health needs and expanding to include substance use disorder treatment 

• The act also focuses on expanding housing interventions, increasing the behavioral health workforce, and enhancing oversight and accountability 

• Recent legislation emphasizes person-centered planning and community integration in service delivery.