As the county grapples with behavioral health contractors shutting down operations over fiscal hardship, two providers offering intensive outpatient and short-term residential services for residents struggling with substance use disorder were approved by the Board of Supervisors.
With the shortage of facilities in San Mateo County that specialize in residential services for substance use disorder, the approved contracts are a step to making sure residents in need have access to the right programs. Contract agreements with Our Common Ground and HealthRight 360 were presented to the Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday meeting by Dr. Jei Africa, director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.
Low occupancy rates and utilized services have led to treatment centers with long-term care facilities to close in the last year. The updated statewide reimbursement model known as CalAIM made changes to the Medi-Cal system, which meant behavioral health contracts get paid based on each service rendered.
Africa emphasized the successful utilization rates of both approved contracts.
Our Common Ground has provided substance use disorder outpatient and residential treatment services to San Mateo County adults with substance abuse and addiction problems for over 20 years. The organization takes a “comprehensive approach to care” including therapy, drug testing, residences and treatment services, Africa said.
The organization was recommended based on their “continued successful treatment program providing services to vulnerable and underserved youth and their established collaboration with community partners,” the staff report reads.
The two-year contract for $18,552,817 funds 24 residential beds with 24/7 care, and six beds dedicated to detoxing. Since November 2024, 95% of patients completed a successful withdrawal and were linked with lower levels of care, Africa said. Since July 2024, there has been an average of 70% occupancy of the available 24 beds, which is a slight increase from years past, Africa said.
“We are really seeing our providers are increasing their utilization,” Africa said.
Supervisor Noelia Corzo said it is “very impressive to hear how successful this specific program is” and hopes it encourages other organizations that provide similar services to “rise to that level.”
For HealthRight 360, services available include outpatient and residential treatments for substance use disorder prevention and recovery. It also provides medication assisted treatment, and includes sober living environments. The two-year contract is for $10,898,523.
In addition to the organization’s similar success rates in services provided — it is currently servicing 60 clients, reaching 80% occupancy — HealthRight 360 has the unique ability to provide medication in combination with counseling and behavioral health therapies to provide a “whole person approach” to treatment, Africa said.
The county previously had an agreement with HealthRight 360 from July 2021 through June 2022 for medication assisted treatment services, and outreach and engagement services. The current contract will, in addition, provide residential treatment services for adult men, women and pregnant women, as well as sober living environment housing services.
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