CA Health & Human Services

Quote text on a blue background says: 'Sometimes [with CARE] we do 10, 15, 25 contacts before we get somebody in. But getting that person in is really all that matters.' - Ian Kemmer, Behavioral Health Director, Orange County. The image includes a logo for CalHHS at the bottom with a website: chhs.ca.gov/care-act.

Engagement takes persistence. The CARE Act creates a structured process that allows teams to keep reaching out to individuals with severe mental illness—because connection is the turning point. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

A graphic titled "Essentials for every generation" features various emergency supplies. It includes a Listos California badge, with items such as a teddy bear, a prescription bottle, canned food, a flashlight, a roll of toilet paper, and a deck of playing cards emerging from a cardboard box. The background is a gradient of blue and yellow. The website "LISTOSCALIFORNIA.ORG" is at the bottom right.

From tired toddlers to elders and bored teenagers, everyone in the household needs to be included in your emergency plans.

Make a list of essentials for them and for you. Get started today at listoscalifornia.org. #ListosCalifornia

CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson leads a roundtable discussion with Riverside County leaders and partners about the CARE Act.

At this week's Riverside CARE Act Roundtable, local leaders shared how collaboration, relentless outreach and voluntary engagement are helping people with the most complex behavioral health needs reconnect to care, housing and hope.

CARE is a tool—changing lives across CA.

The image contains a quote highlighted on a stylized orange background. The quote reads: "CARE changes the trajectory of people's lives without stripping them of their dignity or their rights." It is attributed to Desirae Sanders, Supervising Attorney, Mental Health Unit, San Diego County Public Defender's Office. At the bottom, there is a line with "Learn more: chhs.ca.gov/care-act" and the CalHHS logo.

The CARE Act was designed to support recovery for Californians with severe mental illness as part of the state’s behavioral health continuum.

It’s a different model of court involvement—one that centers dignity and respects individual rights. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act

Digital platforms, including Soluna, BrightLife Kids, and Mirror, are now available to connect children, youth, families, and caregivers with behavioral health resources and professionals at no cost.

Campaigns are ongoing to let our youth know they are Never a Bother, that they can Live Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and to Take Space to Pause.

Educators and other professionals are learning to create Safe Spaces, a free, online training to recognize and respond to signs of trauma and stress.

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is reimagining a more integrated, youth-centered system that meets the needs of all young people. 📲 https://www.chhs.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CalHHS_Roadmap_2025-FINAL.pdf

The CARE Act supports Californians with severe mental illness over time, knowing that stability and independence take patience and persistence.

Recovery is a process—and CARE is designed to stay with people throughout it. Learn more at www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act.

California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) California instituted a “no wrong door” approach to ensure Medi-Cal members receive behavioral health services regardless of where they seek care.

BH-CONNECT California is expanding Medi-Cal service coverage, driving performance improvement, and supporting key interventions proven to improve outcomes for Medi-Cal members experiencing the greatest inequities, including: Children and youth involved in child welfare Individuals in the criminal justice system People at risk of or experiencing homelessness

Additional outpatient benefits available under Medi-Cal in counties that choose to cover them: Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Contingency Management Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis The Individual Placement and Support Model of Supported Employment Enhanced Community Health Worker Services Clubhouses

Through Cal-AIM and BH-CONNECT, California is investing in a range of outpatient services to help ensure care can be provided in the least restrictive settings & within communities.

Outpatient care is a key part of our behavioral health continuum of care.

The Department of Managed Health Care conducts behavioral health-focused investigations of commercial health plans to understand the barriers members face when accessing behavioral health care and ensure health plans are following the law.

For all Californians to be able to access #BehavioralHealth care when they need it, California is holding commercial health plans accountable to provide medically necessary services before crisis strikes. #MentalHealthForAll

Learn more about California's effort to transform behavioral health support statewide: www.chhs.ca.gov/wp-content/u...

A person with curly hair is indoors, looking at the camera. The image features a graphic with the text "Mental Health For All" and a logo for Cal HHS.

#MentalHealthForAll is a bold initiative to build a stronger, more equitable & more accountable behavioral health system for Californians, strengthening the full continuum of care from prevention & early intervention to crisis response, treatment, housing & recovery support.

A woman is sitting indoors, resting her chin on her hand, appears contemplative. The image has a purple tint. Text beside the person reads: "If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat with an emotional support professional at 988lifeline.org." Logos for CalHHS and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are visible.

The 988 Lifeline is available anytime, anywhere to provide compassionate support. Trained, caring counselors are ready to listen & connect you with local resources.

"Success wears many faces. I don't think it's the volume of [CARE] petitions. I think it's the quality of the lives that we're touching." Susan Holt, Director of Behavioral Health & Public Guardian, Fresno County Learn more: chhs.ca.gov/care-act

Behind every CARE Act petition is a person—a neighbor, a family member—someone who deserves stability, dignity & support.

County leaders & behavioral health teams in CA are helping those with severe mental illness get connected to care & experience a better quality of life.

Prop 1 is a two-bill package supporting statewide reform & expansion of California’s behavioral health system.

These efforts complement & build on other major initiatives that strengthen our continuum of care: www.chhs.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CalHHS_Roadmap_2025-FINAL.pdf

CalRx® Insulin Glargine is a long-acting insulin used to treat diabetes and is now available to all Californians at $55 for a 5 pack of 3 mL pens.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about switching to CalRx® Insulin today! Learn more http://calrx.ca.gov.

Californians with behavioral health conditions are now getting real support, stability and a path forward with the CARE Act. Everyone deserves the chance to get well.

See the CARE impact and learn more at www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act. #CAREAct #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth

"[CARE is] just an amazing program. We've had a number of other people who have done extraordinarily well and really gotten their lives back on track." Judge Timothy Canning, Humboldt County Superior Court Learn more: chhs.ca.gov/care-act

Local reporting from the Lost Coast Outpost highlights how the CARE Act is helping connect people to treatment, housing & stability.

CARE creates a pathway to coordinated support for those living with severe mental illness: https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/feb/13/care-court-godsend/

CARE partners help people “become the very best of their potential and just maximize their wellness.”

This spirit of growth & collaboration is helping teams strengthen how they serve people with severe mental illness. 📲 See CARE in action at www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act.

Illustration celebrating 2026 Lunar New Year, featuring an orange, intricately decorated horse against a dark background with teal fireworks and lanterns. Text reads "Happy Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse." The CalHHS logo appears in the top right corner.

Happy Lunar New Year! Today, we join Californians across the state in welcoming the Year of the Horse, wishing you & your loved ones good health & prosperity! 🐎

With the right support system, meaningful progress is possible for Californians with behavioral health conditions.

The CARE Act helps turn momentum into real change for Californians. See how effective support makes a difference. Learn more at www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act. #CAREAct

Older adult woman is holding a handmade Valentine's Day card with "I love you" written on it, shared by a smiling young girl. The image features the text "Happy Valentine's Day" and the CalHHS logo in the corner. Pink hearts are floating around them.

Happy Valentine's Day, California! 💞 Devoting some time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting your heart health.

Self-care, like moving more, preparing healthier meals, and getting quality sleep, helps our hearts. #HeartMonth

CARE Act advisory group members gather around tables for first meeting of 2026.

At the first 2026 CARE Act Advisory Group meeting this week, one partner shared:

“What we haven’t had until now is that ability to build the relationship. To go out day after day and engage. It’s a balance between not giving up and honoring preferences.”

That's CARE in action.

Be the Calm Before the Storm Let's Get Severe Storm Ready! Simple Steps Save Lives Start Here: ListosCalifornia.org

California, remember that small steps make a BIG difference in preparing for weather emergencies like severe storms!

Having an emergency plan can help protect you, your loved ones & your belongings. 📲 Get disaster ready today at ready.ca.gov.

Learn more about how CA is transforming behavioral health: www.chhs.ca.gov/wp-content/u...

Group of people in a bright room, one person is standing and smiling, while others are seated and clapping. The image promotes "Transforming Behavioral Health" by CalHHS.

California is building a full behavioral health continuum of care, from prevention & early intervention to crisis response, treatment, housing & long-term recovery support.

The goal: the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.

When systems lead with compassion, real change is possible.

Our latest video highlights how the CARE Act offers a pathway out of crisis and toward recovery. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/

#CAREAct #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth

The challenge isn’t identifying who needs behavioral health help —it’s having the resources & capacity to engage people in the care they actually need.

The CARE Act bridges this gap. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act. #CAREAct #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth

Image of a teen smiling while holding their phone. The Soluna app logo appears along with text tghat says 'Your safe space for emotional well-being.'

California teens & youth 13-25, Soluna has you covered with free mental health support.

Explore interactive journaling, tools & coaching. It's anonymous, secure & private. Give it a try today at solunaapp.com.

✅ Supports dignity, independence, and responsible use of public funds

YouTube video by California Health & Human Services CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson on Misleading Claims about IHSS and HCBS

CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson addresses misleading claims about IHSS and home and community-based services. What the facts show:

✅ Helps older adults & people with disabilities stay safely at home

✅ Must cost the same or less than institutional care under federal rules youtube.com/shorts/Hr1RJ...

Through CalHOPE, mental health support is available to Californians of all ages & backgrounds.

To speak with a peer counselor, call the CalHOPE Warm Line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673). You are not alone. 🧡