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 UniHealth, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Corporation for Specialty Mental Health Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with UniHealth, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Corporation for specialty mental health services, for the term of January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $940,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) has developed a private provider network to provide outpatient mental health services to seriously mentally ill (SMI) clients. The SMI Private Provider Network (SPPN) receives referrals from the BHRS clinics when an assessment and treatment plan have been completed, and it is determined that a client can best receive outpatient SMI services and does not necessarily need more intensive therapy from clinic staff. Through the network, BHRS is able to better manage the volume of SMI services needed by appropriately redirecting those clients to the SPPN for outpatient mental health services and reducing the service load for its clinics. SPPN providers work in collaboration with BHRS clinic staff to provide the appropriate care to the SMI population.
SPPN providers are an integral part of the BHRS treatment program. These services shall be provided in a manner prescribed by the laws of California and in accord with the applicable laws, titles, rules, and regulations of the Short-Doyle/Medi-Cal program.
DISCUSSION:
BHRS has contracted with UniHealth, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Corporation (UniHealth) for SMI services since 2022. In 2023, CalAIM rates increased 3%, and this increase has continued for each subsequent year. The SPPN program has had about a 10% increase in new clients being referred per year.
Through this agreement, UniHealth will be able to continue to provide SMI services.
Under the B-1 Administrative Memorandum, selection of providers of mental health services for individual private psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and group practices is exempt from the County requirement for a Request for Proposals process. BHRS will consider contracts with any and all qualified providers for inclusion in SPPN. A waiver request was reviewed by County Procurement, which recommended submission to this Board for approval. This waiver will enable BHRS to operate and provide services to individuals who are primarily receiving treatment for SMI.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This agreement is late due to extended negotiations with UniHealth.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 88.4% of clients who receive services will be maintained at a current or lower level of care.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
|
Percentage of clients who receive services that are maintained at a current or lower level of care |
88.4% 86 clients |
88.4% 95 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This UniHealth contract has a positive impact on the community by expanding access, increasing provider choices, which results in timely access to services. This contract adds significant capacity to BHRS’ provider network, which improves access and reduces the wait time from the request for service to the first service. This improves the overall wellbeing of County residents, leads to service equity, and normalizes treatment services, which increases penetration rates for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $940,000. Funds in the amount of $180,000 are included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Of the FY 2025-26 amount, it is anticipated that the services will be funded as follows: 50% Federal Financial Participation and 50% 2011 Realignment for BHRS Managed Care. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.