Artwork for healthcare. (Photo courtesy of National Organization for Arts in Health)
San Diego County health officials were seeking public input Saturday on how best to provide behavioral health services to county residents.
The three-year plan will determine how the county can use state funds to support mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, housing and other critical services for people with significant behavioral health needs, according to officials.
The effort is part of the voter-approved Behavioral Health Services Act, passed by California voters two years ago as Proposition 1. Under the law, every county must develop a three-year Integrated Plan that identifies local priorities and outlines how funding will be allocated, according to a county statement.
The law adds new statewide requirements, including housing intervention options, expanded substance use disorder services, stronger tracking of outcomes and improved access to care.
“A lot of significant changes are happening in behavioral health right now, and we want to make sure San Diego County’s approach reflects what matters most to our communities,” County Behavioral Health Services Director Nadia Privara Brahms said. “We’re asking community members, providers, and partners to review the draft plan and share feedback so we can shape a plan that supports access to care and addresses community needs.”
Community members, providers and partners are invited to review the draft plan and share feedback during the 30-day public comment period, open through April 15, 2026.
Community members can share input by phone at 619-584-5063 or toll-free at: 888-977-6763, and by email at Engage.BHS@sdcounty.ca.gov.
There is also a BHSA Integrated Plan 30-Day Public Comment Form online via Engage San Diego County.
A public hearing with the County’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board is scheduled for May 7, 2026.
Feedback received during the comment period will be incorporated into the final plan, which will be presented to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors this summer for approval before submitting it to the state.
Implementation of the approved plan was scheduled to begin July 1, 2026.
–City News Service