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 Service
Subject: Agreement with Lena Osher, M.D. for Psychiatric Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Lena Osher, M.D. for psychiatry services, for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Dr. Osher has worked as a child psychiatrist for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) since 2003, 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. Osher will provide psychiatry services for children and youth at Canyon Oaks Youth Center and other County mental health clinics. The services shall include child and youth medication, evaluation, and treatment; psychotherapy; family consultation; psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship training; and case consultation to staff. Dr. Osher shall provide services up to an average of 30 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 agreement 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 will maintain their current or lower level of care |
80% 50 clients |
80% 50 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Behavioral health needs affect youth from all backgrounds, though not all have the same level of access to care and support. Research shows that some subpopulations of the County’s youth face significant barriers to accessing behavioral health care, placing them at increased risk of depression, suicidality, and substance use. Additionally, certain youth groups are disproportionately represented in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Geographic data also highlight areas experiencing greater social and economic challenges, further complicating access to care and support.
Adequate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry staffing ratios allow BHRS to ensure timely access to evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment services and to strengthen overall youth well-being. By promoting access to care, fostering safe and affirming environments, and expanding social-emotional learning opportunities, San Mateo County can help ensure every young person receives the 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 $1,500,000 for the three-year term. Funds in the amount of $435,000 will be included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. Of that amount, Medi-Cal Patient Care Revenue will fund $220,863. The balance of the agreement will be funded by other departmental sources There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.