News Archives

• All applications are submitted via the State’s on-line central application portal: BHLRP Central Application 2022-23
• Eligible applicants must currently work in either an ACBH County-operated mental health setting, or in a contracted mental health community-based organization.
• This program requires that eligible ACBH applicants work in a “hard-to-fill” position as defined by ACBH.

• For application T.A and program questions, contact Aileen Dizon, CALMHSA: 20WET@calmhsa.org
• For Eligibility Criteria, contact Sanjida Mazid, ACBH Workforce Manager: Sanjida.Mazid@acgov.org

• Flyer
• Eligibility Criteria
• Program Guide

• December 12, 2022, 10am–11:30am | Recognizing and Reducing Stress Symptoms with LaFreshia “Free” Brown, LPCC, CADCII
• December 13, 2022, 2pm–3:30pm | Working with the Re-Entry Community with Gaylon Logan, Jr.
• December 14, 2022, 2pm–3:30pm | African American Older Adults (59 and up) with Derethia DuVal, Ph.D, MFT
• December 15, 2022, 10am–11:30am | Understanding Mental Health in Asian Communities with Teresa Hoang
• December 16, 2022, 10:00am–11:30am | Leading with Wellness with Asara Tsehai

• RFPQ #20-09 EF
• RFPQ #20-09 EF - Budget Template

• All applications are submitted via the State’s on-line central application portal: BHLRP Central Application 2022-23
• Eligible applicants must currently work in either an ACBH County-operated mental health setting, or in a contracted mental health community-based organization.
• This program requires that eligible ACBH applicants work in a “hard-to-fill” position as defined by ACBH.

• Flyer
• Eligibility Criteria
• Program Guide

• For application T.A and program questions, contact Aileen Dizon, CALMHSA: 20WET@calmhsa.org
• For Eligibility Criteria, contact Sanjida Mazid, ACBH Workforce Manager: Sanjida.Mazid@acgov.org

• RFPQ #22-06 HSP (pdf)
• RFPQ #22-06 HSP - Bid Template (docx)
• RFPQ #22-06 HSP - Staff List and Schedule (xlsx)

• All applications are submitted via the State’s on-line central application portal: BHLRP Central Application 2022-23
• Eligible applicants must currently work in either an ACBH County-operated mental health setting, or in a contracted mental health community-based organization.
• This program requires that eligible ACBH applicants work in a “hard-to-fill” position as defined by ACBH.

Mental Health Services Act Update – Community Input
Alameda County residents are invited to contribute ideas for the Mental Health Services Act Three Year Plan for Fiscal Year 2023/26. Help shape and impact Alameda County’s mental health system by completing a brief survey (translated in Spanish and Chinese) and now through January 31, 2023 to provide suggestions to improve mental health services for the next three years. Learn how to read the MHSA Plan by viewing our recent webinar, view podcasts, success stories, and participate in listening sessions for more information about our MHSA work. A report on previous community input is available that demonstrates how your feedback translates to services.

This is a friendly reminder that applications for Round 2 of the state Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program are still being received until November 15, 2022. Please see the attached documents for a detailed description, Alameda County eligibility criteria, and links to the application site.

Please see the eligibility requirements and the memo with link to application.

The Alameda County Proposition 47 Local Advisory Committee (LAC) is recruiting 3 to 5 Community Representatives. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the County’s Prop 47 Grant Project, which provides mental health, substance use disorder, and housing services to justice-involved clients with these needs. The Community Representatives should be formerly incarcerated and/or have family who have been. Please forward/post the application (attached) to your teams or any interested clients. Applications are due by 5pm on December 31st, 2022 and should be sent to Francesca.Barua2@acgov.org.

View application and instructions.

This communication is to make you aware of the leadership transition in ACBH Vocational Services. Theresa Razzano, the Division Director of Vocational Services is retiring. Theresa has worked for Alameda County for more than two decades and has been the Director of ACBH vocational services since 2016.

For more details, please see the memo.

ACBH Workforce Development is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the State Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) is STILL OPEN! Applications are accepted through November 15, 2022. If you are a clinician in the ACBH system and have student loans, we highly encourage you to read further for eligibility requirements and application details.

Please see the memo and the program guide.

Please join the Office of Ethnic Services in a discussion on The Impact of Community Violence on Black Youth's Mental Health; focusing on identify the types of stressors that negatively impact mental and physical health of Black Youth.

DATE: Friday, October 21, 2022, 9:00am - 1:30pm
LOCATION: Online/Zoom
AUDIENCE: Community-Based Organizations and ACBH contracted Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Provider staff.
TRAINERS: Delane Casiano, MD, and Karriem Salaam, MD
DESCRIPTION: This course describes Black Youth and the current risks they face in their communities. The training will also identify the types of violence and other stressors that negatively impact mental and physical health of Black Youth.
CE CREDITS:: 4

For more information and to register please see attachment.

THERESA RAZZANO IS RETIRING! Come celebrate a wonderful colleague and friend at... THE PLANK IN JACK LONDON SQUARE!! NOVEMBER 17, 2022, 5:30 PM TO 8:30 PM. FORMAL PROGRAM BEGINS AT 7:00 PM. RSVP by Nov. 11.

For more details and to reserve your spot, view flyer.

Dear ACBH Stakeholders,

The Alameda County Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Annual Plan Update was approved by the Board of Supervisors on October 4, 2022. Click here or on the image to view the Plan which is also located at https://acmhsa.org/reports-data. Thank you for your partnership in making our community better.

Thank you for your partnership in making our community better.

The following policy(s) and procedure(s) was recently added to the ACBH Policy and Procedures Manual:
1603-6 “Concurrent Review of Crisis Residential Treatment Services and Adult Residential Treatment Services” (10/07/22)

Scheduled system maintenance for the entire RXNT software suite has been moved to the period beginning on Friday, October 14h, 2022 at 8:00pm PT. The system will be unavailable for use on all platforms for 8 hours, concluding on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 at 4:00am PT.

This scheduled maintenance period is part of RXNT’s ongoing initiative to implement new infrastructure and their commitment to improve stability, scalability, responsiveness, and system uptime.

Save the dates & join us virtually for the 2022 California Individual Placement and Support Leadership Conference, sponsored by Alameda County Behavioral Health and the IPS Collaborative of California! The 1.5 day conference will include keynote speakers, participant back to work testimonials, and intensive sessions including:

• IPS 101
• Benefits Management & Health Insurance
• DOR/MH Collaboration
• Launching, Funding & Billing for IPS
• IPS in Rural Counties
• CalWORKs
• Supported Housing
• and More!

Dear ACBH Stakeholders,

The Alameda County Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Program Planning Process (CPPP) Report for FY22/23 is available. View the report and learn about community mental health priorities and their impact on MHSA programming.

Thank you for your partnership in making our community better

Please find the training opportunities, below for October 2022. At this time and until further notice, all trainings offered will be conducted as online, live webinars. Thank you for your continued support for ACBH trainings!
Audience: All training events listed are for ACBH & Contracted Provider Staff unless otherwise specified on flyer

See flyer.

After 26 years with ACBH, Yvonne Jones, Assistant Director for the Forensic System of Care, has decided to retire. Yvonne is a passionate advocate for our justice-involved clients and has dedicated 34 years of her professional career to forensic mental health. During her tenure with ACBH, Yvonne has helped support many important programs including the Adult Forensic Behavioral Health program, the Conditional Release Program (CONREP), and more recently our outpatient forensic services. Yvonne’s last day with the county is October 14, 2022.

Read more.

It is with mixed feelings of regret and pride that I provide our team, our system, and partners with this important departmental update. Effective Friday, November 11, 2022, our fellow executive leader, Mr. Imo Momoh, Deputy Director, Plan Administrator will be leaving his position with Alameda County. On behalf of our entire Executive Team, we are extremely honored to have worked alongside such an exemplary leader during his tenure.

Read memo.

It is with mixed feelings of regret and pride that I provide our team, our system, and partners with this important departmental update. Effective Friday, November 11, 2022, our fellow executive leader, Mr. Imo Momoh, Deputy Director, Plan Administrator will be leaving his position with Alameda County. On behalf of our entire Executive Team, we are extremely honored to have worked alongside such an exemplary leader during his tenure.

Read memo.

ACBH Workforce Development is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the State Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) is NOW OPEN! Applications will be accepted from October 1 - November 15, 2022. If you are a clinician in the ACBH system and have student loans, we highly encourage you to read further for eligibility requirements and application details.

Please see the memo and the program guide.

FRIENDLY REMINDER
Graduate Intern Stipend Program (GISP) applications are due (2) two weeks from today.
The application deadline is Monday, October 17, 2022. Applications will not be accepted after this date.

Please see the memo and the application.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the new ACBH Out of Class Enhanced Care Management Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor.

Please see attached announcement.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Assistant Director of In-Custody Services for the Forensic, Diversion, and Re-Entry Services System of Care. Svetlana Lesova will join the Forensic, Diversion and Reentry Services team on October 3, 2022, and will report directly to Juan Taizan, Forensic, Diversion, and Reentry Services Director.

Svetlana brings over 20 years of experience in public service at the Alameda County Social Services Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) where she helped build and oversee high-impact programs for system-involved, vulnerable, diverse communities.

See announcement for more details.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the new ACCESS Interim Division Director, Charles Edwards. Mr. Edwards comes to the Division Director position with a range of diverse experience, knowledge, and practice.

Mr. Edwards first day at ACBH will be October 3rd, 2022. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Edwards as the newest team leader within our department!

See announcement for more details.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of our Chief Nursing Officer to the Office of the Medical Director! Ms. Kinzi Richholt officially joined the Office of the Medical Director team on August 22, 2022. Since then, she has been actively engaged in learning more about our department, Agency, and system; and the important work occurring across our County.

See announcement for more details.

The September Sept 13 & 15, 2022 workshop has been canceled due to illness. The workshop will be rescheduled TBD. The workshop uses a combination of teaching methods, including didactic work, lecture, and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to explore their own feelings toward suicide and suicidal clients. It will address common myths and perceptions about suicidal behavior.

Participants will learn methods of suicide risk assessment and will be introduced to screening tools that aid in determining risk. Emphasis will be placed on how to talk about and ask about suicide with a client.

Find out more >>

The application, instructions, and eligibility requirements are posted HERE.

PLEASE INSTRUCT STUDENTS TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ONLINE ON OR BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022.

We are looking for student applicants who meet eligibility requirements and are from diverse backgrounds to help increase the cultural responsiveness of our system, bridge gaps in skill sets, and improve language capacity.

This is a two-day training that will enrich participants understanding of the mental health conditions and substance use concerns facing older adults, as well as the importance of promoting mental wellness and resilience. Attention will be paid to the importance of screening, assessment, and evidence-based interventions, emphasizing integrated care. Participants will learn about self-care and hear from a speaker with lived experience.

See flyer for more information.

Dear Public Mental Health Services Provider,

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is asking for your input to better understand the Public Mental Health System (PMHS) workforce. HCAI administers programs which are aimed at expanding and retaining a culturally diverse PMHS workforce. To better understand the effectiveness of these programs, HCAI is collecting data from the PMHS workforce. These data may be used as important inputs in future program policy design.

HCAI is asking for your input because you currently or recently worked to provide mental health services through a public mental health plan, either as a direct county or city employee or a contracted provider or provider agency. The survey linked below asks about your experiences working in the PMHS, your knowledge of programs intended to support the PMHS workforce, and your opinions on the best ways to encourage providers to join and remain in the PMHS workforce. The survey should only take 30 minutes or less to complete. All survey questions are voluntary and responses will be treated confidentially. You can complete the survey in English or Spanish. HCAI requests that you complete the survey by Monday, August 22.

Click here to take the survey: https://oshpd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJgTIR45s7WFJae

If you have any questions about this survey or whether you should complete it, please reach out to HCAI at workforcedata@hcai.ca.gov. We appreciate your important contribution to our understanding of the effectiveness of our programs!

Thank you,
HCAI Team

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Williams to the position of Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor at Oakland Community Support Center.

Donna completed her Master of Social Work from California State University, East Bay in 2007 and her Bachelor of Social Work at San Francisco State University. She has worked in several capacities in the field of social work. Donna started her career with Alameda County in 2004 as a program director for Maximizing Opportunities for Mothers to Succeed Program (M.O.M.S.) located in Santa Rita Jail. Donna has over 20 years of experience in Human Services, including HIV services with UCSF and Planned Parenthood.

For the past 15 years Donna has worked at Oakland Community Support Center. Her roles include, Clinical Case Manager, Team Lead, Internship Coordinator, and The SubPayee Liaison for Alameda County SubPayee Program.

Donna has a strong commitment to providing mental health services to consumers and their families in Alameda County, as well as creating a positive atmosphere for her colleagues. In her spare time, Donna enjoys supporting her granddaughter, Skyler, on her equestrian journey, being one of the youngest Barrel Racers.

Dear Public Mental Health Services Provider,
The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is asking for your input to better understand the Public Mental Health System (PMHS) workforce. HCAI administers programs which are aimed at expanding and retaining a culturally diverse PMHS workforce. To better understand the effectiveness of these programs, HCAI is collecting data from the PMHS workforce. These data may be used as important inputs in future program policy design.

HCAI is asking for your input because you currently or recently worked to provide mental health services through a public mental health plan, either as a direct county or city employee or a contracted provider or provider agency. The survey linked below asks about your experiences working in the PMHS, your knowledge of programs intended to support the PMHS workforce, and your opinions on the best ways to encourage providers to join and remain in the PMHS workforce. The survey should only take 30 minutes or less to complete. All survey questions are voluntary and responses will be treated confidentially. You can complete the survey in English or Spanish. HCAI requests that you complete the survey by Monday, August 22.

Click here to take the survey: https://oshpd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJgTIR45s7WFJae

If you have any questions about this survey or whether you should complete it, please reach out to HCAI at workforcedata@hcai.ca.gov. We appreciate your important contribution to our understanding of the effectiveness of our programs!

• ACCESS Workgroup Report
• ACBH Updates and ACCESS Data
• ACCESS Assessment Summary

• For Eligibility Criteria, see: ACLRP 2021/22_Am I Eligible Flyer
• To apply, please go to calmhsa.org/grants/
• For questions about the application process and award requirements, contact CalMHSA at: aclrp@calmhsa.org
• For questions about the ACBH eligibility criteria, contact Sanjida Mazid, Workforce Development Manager at: sanjida.mazid@acgov.org

• Float and Parade Route
• Food & Beverages
• Rainbow and Fairy Princess
• Resource Booth
• Wellness Resources
• Educational Material Giveaway

• Module 1: Assessments- August 16th 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Module 2: Treatment Plan- August 18th 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Module 3: Procedure Code & Progress Notes- August 20th, 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

• Side by Side Youth
• Lavender Seniors of the East Bay
• Gender Spectrum

• 200-1 “Psych Testing Authorization” (3/24/21)
• 401-2 “Full Service Partnership Implementation” (4/28/21)
• 350-2-2 “Medication Monitoring for Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System” (6/1/2021)
• 401-3 “Therapeutic Behavioral Services Implementation” (6/1/2021)
• 1303-1 “Provider Problem Resolution and Appeals” (12/16/19)

• 150-1-2 “Charitable Choice” (4/28/21)

• Identify three primary Pacific Islander groups in Alameda County
• Learn about mental health disparities and data inequities related to Pacific Islanders
• Learn culturally and linguistically responsive ways to serve and outreach to Pacific Islanders

• ADULT Mental Health First Aid Training - Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - Full
• YOUTH Mental Health First Aid Training - Thursday, February 18, 2021 - Full

• 1/20/20 Crisis Intervention and De-Escalation in a Correctional Setting (FLYER)
• 1/29/21 Youth Who Become Violent: Deconstructing the "Why" (FLYER)
• 2/2 & 2/4/21 Suicide Assessment & Intervention (Adult focused) (FLYER)
• 2/26/21 Lessons Learned from a Culturally-Specific Dually-Diagnosed Program for African Americans (FLYER)

• County Staff
• Provider Staff

• MHSA Presentation
• Addressing BH Care & Wellness for the African American_Black Community
• MHSA 101
• Crisis Services Brochure for community

• County Intranet: www.achcsa.org/behavioral-health/training/trainingcalendar.aspx;
• Provider’s Website: bhcsproviders.acgov.org/training-calendar/

• Claiming for services provided via text messages
• Update on State Fair Hearing Appeal Process
• Client Release of Information
• Documenting late signatures for claiming purposes
• License renewal waivers
• Claiming for telephone and telehealth services

Shelter In Place Order Update

• Use of playgrounds, dog parks, public picnic areas, and similar recreational areas is prohibited. These areas must be closed to public use.
• Use of shared public recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, pools, and rock walls is prohibited. These facilities must be closed for recreational use.
• Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household
• Essential businesses must develop a social distancing protocol before April 3

• This effort is being led by the state and federal governments, with Alameda County and the City of Oakland providing support as needed.
• The passengers will not be released into the general public. California residents aboard the ship will be taken to federal facilities for isolation and quarantine, while non-California residents will be transported to federal facilities in other states.
• The crew will be quarantined aboard the ship, which will leave the Port of Oakland as soon as passengers have disembarked.
• Anyone with immediate health care needs upon disembarkation may be transported to local and regional health facilities to receive care.

• WHO: Preceptors are either staff of any HCSA department (Admin/BHCS/PHD/EH) and/or HCSA subcontractor or community partner
• WHY: 1). Receive entry-level assistance from our trained college preparatory students 2). Complete a project to assist your work and/or your units efforts 3). Build to build up a successful, thriving health workforce!
• COMMITMENT OPTIONS: 1). Provide a project or responsibilities for an intern for 6 hours per week OR 2). Allow an intern to shadow you for 3 hours per week