TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report from the Health and Human Services Department regarding the feasibility of establishing a more robust local infrastructure for mental health services. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On November 9, 2021, the City Council requested the City Manager to work with the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) and local mental health providers to explore the feasibility of establishing a more robust infrastructure for mental health services, in collaboration and alignment with local mental health providers in Long Beach and the County of Los Angeles. On February 8, 2022, the City Council approved $100,000 of General Fund one-time funds to lead the mental health study efforts. These funds were utilized to convene a Mental Health Advisory Group and retain a consultant with specific expertise in mental health funding mechanisms, data, service delivery, and referral pathways to conduct a feasibility study and move this effort forward.
The Health Department convened a Mental Health Advisory Group which consisted of a diverse cross-section of local hospitals, education systems, homeless services providers, non-profit organizations, mental health providers, and relevant Los Angeles County departments. This Mental Health Advisory Group convened six times since May 2022. The Advisory Group participated in identifying gaps and solutions, enhancing communication, and identifying potential resources. City staff also engaged in active conversations with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health regarding existing service provision and systemic challenges.
The Health Department also contracted with Capstone Consulting Group to:
1. Educate policymakers regarding behavioral health programs including options and constraints for pursuing enhanced residential treatment programming including:
a. Ensuring understanding of the multiple systems that comprise the behavioral health system in Los Angeles County including the specialty and non-specialty mental health systems and the substance abuse disorder continuum of services,
b. Promoting recognition of the various levels and types of intensive residential treatment programs available in California with an explanation of the programmatic, regulatory, and funding considerations that accompany each level of care, and
c. Providing a knowledge base of funding streams and how those can be utilized to maintain and expand services.
2. Identify existing options and capacity for behavioral health treatment at the different levels.
3. Detail approaches to sharing information, including electronic data sharing, to improve access and coordination of care.
4. Generate alternatives for the expansion of capacity with a strategic action plan for the implementation of feasible alternatives.
As a result of these efforts, we are pleased to present the attached Developing a Robust Mental Health System in Long Beach Report (Report). The vision of the Report is that all community members have an open path to access and receive the mental health support they need to thrive. The Report highlights four focus areas designed to enhance the local mental health system:
1. Mental Health Treatment Capacity
2. Prevention
3. Access to Treatment
4. Focus Populations
Within these broader themes, there are strategies and proposed action steps to guide, focus and prioritize activities to enhance the local mental health system. These findings will serve as the foundation for systemic improvements in Long Beach related to mental health.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Monica Kilaita on March 27, 2023, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorenson on March 31, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost to conduct the feasibility of establishing a more robust local Infrastructure for mental health services did not exceed $100,000 and was allocated to the General Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, using Fiscal Year 2021 General Fund Group year-end funds available. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation. However, implementation of the strategies and proposed action steps could have a significant fiscal impact and outside funding would need to be provided to be able to move forward with many of the recommendations.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER