Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with Rashmi Garg, M.D. for Psychiatry Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Rashmi Garg, M.D. for psychiatry services, for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
body
BACKGROUND:
Dr. Garg has been a contracted child psychiatrist for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) since 2001, providing services at various County mental health clinics. Services include child and youth medication evaluation and treatment, psychotherapy and family consultation, psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship training, and case consultation to staff.
DISCUSSION:
Under this agreement, Dr. Garg will provide psychiatry services for children and youth at various County mental health clinics. The services shall include child and youth medication evaluation and treatment, psychotherapy and family consultation, psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship training, and case consultation with staff. Dr. Garg shall provide services up to an average of 20 hours per week.
Under the Administrative Memorandum B-1, agreements with physicians are exempt from the requirement for a Request for Proposals process.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 80% of clients served will maintain their current or lower level of care.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percentage of clients served that maintain their current or lower level of care |
80% 40 clients |
80% 40 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Youth behavioral health needs are present across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. However, varying levels of access to resources can impact outcomes and limit opportunities for support.
Research shows that certain subpopulations of the County’s youth face significant barriers to accessing behavioral health care, placing them at increased risk for depression, suicidality, and substance use. Additionally, some youth are overrepresented in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Geographic data also identify areas experiencing heightened social and economic challenges, which further complicate the ability of youth to receive timely support.
Maintaining adequate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry staffing levels enables BHRS to provide consistent access to evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment services and to strengthen overall youth wellness. By promoting access to care, fostering safe and supportive environments, and expanding social-emotional learning opportunities, San Mateo County can ensure all young people receive the tools and support they need to thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $1,000,000 for the three-year term. Funds in the amount of $290,000 are included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. Of that amount, Medi-Cal Patient Care Revenue will fund $281,600 and the balance will be funded by departmental sources. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.