San Diego County To Create Standalone Behavioral Health Department To Expand Treatment & Strengthen ‘Care Before Crisis’ System

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors in California voted on April 21, 2026, to separate Behavioral Health Services from the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), establishing it as a standalone department effective July 1, 2026.

Behavioral Health Services has operated within the HHSA for roughly three decades—a structure that predates significant growth in Medi-Cal coverage, behavioral health funding, and demand for mental health and substance use treatment. Officials say a dedicated department will allow for better coordination across treatment programs, expanded provider organization networks, improved data and accountability systems, and more focused workforce development.

The transition . . .