SACRAMENTO >> A newly approved innovative project could make a huge difference for those seeking mental health treatment in Lake County and, quite possibly, throughout California.
The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission unanimously approved $853,752 to fund a web-based virtual “call center” which will allow people to get linked more quickly to mental health services in Lake County. It will also give them the ability to track and share their personal health information with the providers they choose.
State officials believe this should result in a more efficient and effective way for consumers to access the mental health services they need, something that is particularly important when a person is in crisis and looking for treatment.
The funds for this five year project come from the “Innovation” component of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act. Proposition 63 was approved by California voters in 2004 to strengthen mental health services in the state; innovation funds are used for unique, untried, time-limited approaches to the mental health system.
“Lake County did an excellent job in presenting this Innovation project to the Commission,” said Commission Chair Dr. Victor Carrion. “It is the very essence of what Innovation is all about. We are enthused by the promise of what this could mean for service delivery throughout the state and we hope they have incredible success with it.”
If this project is successful, the possibility exists that it could be replicated in other counties throughout the state. While the state provides the funding, the actual determination of programs in each county is done through an extensive stakeholder process to allow the programs to meet the needs of its residents.
