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 Telecare Corporation for Mental Health Rehabilitation Center Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Telecare Corporation for mental health rehabilitation center services for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $10,391,428.
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BACKGROUND:
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) has contracted with Telecare Corporation (Telecare) since October 1, 2023 for the provision of Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) services. In May 2022, BHRS released a Request for Proposals for the provision of MHRC services at the rebuilt Cordilleras Health and Healing Campus. Telecare is one of four agencies selected to provide MHRC services.
Telecare operates numerous mental health facilities throughout California. For BHRS, Telecare currently contracts to provide Full Service Partnership services and crisis residential services at Serenity House, as well as providing MHRC and residential services at the previous Cordilleras facility and now at the Cordilleras Health and Healing Campus since 1982.
Agreements with the other three MHRC providers are being submitted to this Board separately.
DISCUSSION:
Telecare will operate an MHRC, providing services to adult consumers who are seriously mentally ill. Services will include Medi-Cal billable psychiatric treatment services as well as room and board services in a locked facility setting for up to 15 County consumers. Services will be primarily provided to consumers with serious mental illness who are of mild to moderate intensity behaviors and do not require 1:1 services. BHRS will refer consumers to Telecare.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation 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 85% of consumers will not be discharged to an acute psychiatric level of care within 15 days of admission.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percentage of consumers not discharged to an acute psychiatric level of care within 15 days of admission |
85% 15 clients |
85% 20 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement will provide critical support to an underserved population of individuals with severe mental illness who require a secured, subacute rehabilitation setting to achieve stabilization and progress in their recovery. Telecare has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving individuals with complex behavioral health needs and providing evidence‑based, recovery‑oriented treatment within a secure environment. Services provided through this agreement will enhance the County’s continuum of care, improve client outcomes, and support broader system goals related to safety, recovery, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $10,391,428 for the two-year term. Funds in the amount of $5,112,539 are included in the BHRS FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget. Of that amount, Medi-Cal Reimbursement will fund $1,761,937; 2011 Realignment, including the match for Medi-Cal services, will fund $1,761,937; Other Sources will fund $1,132,726; and the Net County Cost is $455,939. Similar arrangements will be made for FY 2027-28.
Attachment: RFP Matrix