California Behavioral Health Association

California Behavioral Health Association A statewide non-profit association that supports and promotes behavioral health agencies through legislative advocacy.

Since its inception in 1985, CBHA has endeavored to provide agency executives with the support, assistance and camaraderie that can help make a difference in the often-difficult task of running a nonprofit mental health agency. In 1999, CBHA was instrumental in the design and implementation of a pioneering, three-county program that served homeless people, parolees and probationers with serious me

ntal illness. Using aggressive outreach and a whatever-it-takes-approach to match services to client needs, these programs achieved significant clinical outcomes for those served and saved millions of dollars by reducing hospitalization and incarceration costs. The passage of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, in 2004 was CBHA's proudest moment.

CBHA applauds Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui and her colleagues for reintroducing legislation to strengthen community-ba...
04/24/2026

CBHA applauds Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui and her colleagues for reintroducing legislation to strengthen community-based behavioral health care. đź—Ł

This effort reinforces the importance of investing in local, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, support providers, and ensure individuals receive timely, culturally responsive services where they live.

We thank Congresswoman Matsui and her partners for prioritizing behavioral health and advancing policies that recognize the critical role of community-based organizations in building a stronger, more equitable system of care. đź‘Ź

Read more: https://bit.ly/3R0Utwb

CBHA’s CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, delivered powerful testimony before the Assembly Health Committee in strong support of , ...
04/22/2026

CBHA’s CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, delivered powerful testimony before the Assembly Health Committee in strong support of , our sponsored bill to end harmful “fail-first” step therapy practices for behavioral health medications. 📢

🗣️“When we delay treatment, we don’t just inconvenience patients—we lose them.” - Dr. Clark Harvey

We extend our sincere thanks to the Committee Chair and members for their time, attention, and thoughtful consideration of this critical issue impacting millions of Californians. đź‘Ź

We are grateful to Assemblymember John Harabedian for standing up for Californians who cannot afford delays in treatment. 📢

Today, CBHA's CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, testified before the Senate Privacy Committee in strong support of SB 903, a bill e...
04/21/2026

Today, CBHA's CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, testified before the Senate Privacy Committee in strong support of SB 903, a bill establishing critical safeguards for artificial intelligence in behavioral health care.

As innovation expands, SB 903 ensures that patient safety, trust, and clinical integrity remain at the forefront.

🗨️ “Behavioral health care is fundamentally human, relational, and clinical—and AI, while useful, cannot replicate that.” - Dr. Clark Harvey

SB 903 sets clear boundaries to ensure AI is used responsibly support care, not replace it.

Thank you to the Committee Chair and members for your thoughtful attention to this issue, and to Senator Padilla for your leadership in advancing SB 903. đź‘Ź

CBHA remains committed to ensuring innovation in behavioral health is ethical, transparent, and centered on the needs of vulnerable Californians. 🗣️

A recently published article highlights California’s rural health transformation efforts, with a focus on strengthening ...
04/20/2026

A recently published article highlights California’s rural health transformation efforts, with a focus on strengthening the workforce and expanding telehealth to improve access to care in underserved communities.

CBHA's CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey, was featured in the piece, sharing her expertise on the importance of investing in community-based providers and leveraging telehealth to close access gaps, especially for rural and hard-to-reach populations. 📢

As California advances solutions to meet growing behavioral health needs, ensuring a strong workforce and sustainable telehealth infrastructure will be critical to delivering equitable, timely care.đź‘Ź

In a recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, CBHA's CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey calls attention to the harmful imp...
04/17/2026

In a recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, CBHA's CEO, Dr. Clark Harvey calls attention to the harmful impact of “fail-first” policies that delay access to critical behavioral health treatment.

As she highlights, these outdated insurance practices force patients to try and fail on medications before receiving the care their providers originally prescribed—putting health and recovery at risk.

That’s why AB 1970, introduced by Assemblymember Harabedian, is so important. The bill would ensure insurers respect clinical judgment, honor prior treatment history, respond to exception requests in a timely manner, and create a more transparent and patient-centered process.

As Dr. Clark Harvey emphasizes, this effort is not about eliminating cost control—it’s about restoring balance so that medical expertise, human dignity, and timely care come first. 👏

CBHA applauds our member HOPE Cooperative for sharing an inspiring overview of Renewed Hope at the recent Housing and Ho...
04/17/2026

CBHA applauds our member HOPE Cooperative for sharing an inspiring overview of Renewed Hope at the recent Housing and Homelessness Committee. đź‘Ź

This innovative project has transformed a formerly vacant motel into a 57-unit transitional housing community for justice-involved adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

We commend HOPE Cooperative for their leadership and ongoing commitment to serving the Sacramento community, advancing stability, dignity, and pathways to recovery for those most in need. 🗣📢

CBHA participated in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee to express our strong support f...
04/14/2026

CBHA participated in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee to express our strong support for , authored by Senator Steve Padilla.

As a co-sponsor, CBHA is proud to advance legislation that safeguards individuals seeking mental health care by ensuring therapy and psychotherapy services are provided only by qualified, licensed professionals.

We are appreciative of Senator Padilla's leadership and commitment to protecting patients and advancing thoughtful, responsible innovation in behavioral health.

As technology evolves, patient safety and quality of care must remain the priority. CBHA is committed to advancing policy that protects consumers while supporting ethical innovation in behavioral health. 📢

Yesterday, our Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager, Jorge Cruz, and CBHA Member, Wesley Saver from HealthRIGHT360, we...
04/10/2026

Yesterday, our Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager, Jorge Cruz, and CBHA Member, Wesley Saver from HealthRIGHT360, were at the Senate Subcommittee 3 hearing, providing public comment in support of CBHA’s co-sponsored budget ask for the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP). CRDP is a proven prevention model reaching communities not served by traditional systems, and California has made significant investments in building this infrastructure. CRDP funding is set to expire in June 2026. Without any new investment, California will lose programs, workforce, and community networks, creating a gap in care.

CBHA highlighted where targeted investment is needed.

🔹Sustaining the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP)— We urge the legislature to support the budget request championed by Assemblymember Pellerin that allocates $30M from the Behavioral Health Fund to fund the California Reducing Disparities Project.
  
We urged the Legislature to collaborate with providers on solutions that protect access to behavioral health care across California.

proudly recognizes our member, WellSpace Health, for its leadership in supporting Sacramento’s first integrated health...
04/09/2026

proudly recognizes our member, WellSpace Health, for its leadership in supporting Sacramento’s first integrated healthcare campus serving Medi-Cal members and underserved communities.

WellSpace will play a critical role in leading facility operations once the project is complete, helping to ensure coordinated, community-based care that integrates physical health, behavioral health, and supportive services under one roof.

This project reflects what is possible when we invest in whole-person, accessible care and partner with trusted community providers to meet people where they are.

Congratulations to WellSpace and all partners advancing this important work to strengthen health access and equity in Sacramento! 📢

Read more: https://bit.ly/41WH1f3

Today, our CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, joined fellow task force member and past CBHA President, Health RIGHT 360 Pre...
04/08/2026

Today, our CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, joined fellow task force member and past CBHA President, Health RIGHT 360 President Vitka Eisen, at the Behavioral Health Task Force Quarterly Meeting to present on workforce needs for community-based organizations. 💼✨

Dr. Clark Harvey emphasized that in order to strengthen the behavioral health workforce, investments must:

1. Fund organizations — not just individuals. CBOs need infrastructure and operational support, not only training
dollars.
2. Pay for access — not just services delivered. Upfront funding ensures smaller providers can hire and retain staff.
3. Create real pathways — not theoretical ones. Paid training, supervised hours, and clear career ladders for community members.
4. Align compensation across systems. We cannot continue to underpay the workforce closest to the hardest work.

Today, recognizes the strength, resilience, and diversity of California’s farmworker community, whose labor keeps our ...
03/31/2026

Today, recognizes the strength, resilience, and diversity of California’s farmworker community, whose labor keeps our communities nourished and our state thriving. ❤️

Farmworkers are essential to our food systems, yet many continue to face significant challenges, including low wages, exposure to extreme climate conditions, and limited access to health and behavioral health supports. The impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and poor air quality, only deepen these inequities. 📢

We honor not only the critical role farmworkers play, but also their stories, culture, and contributions that enrich communities across California.

We invite you to explore powerful digital stories created by the Public Health Institute that uplift farmworker voices and shine a light on the health inequities they face and the urgent need to advance health equity and climate justice. 🗣️

đź”—View stories: https://bit.ly/4m57QHk

This Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight the exceptional women leading the California Behavioral Health Ass...
03/30/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight the exceptional women leading the California Behavioral Health Association. ✨

Courtnie Thomas, Senior Manager of Operations & Special Projects, brings a deep passion for mental health advocacy to both the strategic and day-to-day work of CBHA. In addition to driving key operational efforts and shaping impactful events, Courtnie plays a vital leadership role in supporting and uplifting staff across the team. Her commitment to behavioral health equity and internal team support helps ensure CBHA can effectively serve its members and advance its mission. đź’™

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Sacramento, CA
95814

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