CALIFORNIA DHCS

California Department of Health Care Services

TAC and its partner Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) recently conducted a Mental Health and Substance Use System Needs Assessment for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). The purpose of the Needs Assessment was to document the needs and service utilization patterns of current Medicaid recipients and identify opportunities to prepare Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, for the expansion of enrollees and the increased demand for services under health reform. TAC subsequently developed a Mental Health and Substance Use Service System Plan for DHCS that addressed expanded Medicaid access, outreach, and service delivery to special populations, enhanced provider capacity, and quality improvement strategies.