Board approves two behavioral health contracts for after‑hours triage and clinician services

Sierra County supervisors approved two contracts to maintain and extend behavioral health services in the county: an after‑hours telephone triage and screening contract handled by Nevada County/Auburn Counseling for up to $31,000 for fiscal 2025–26, and a professional services agreement with clinician Mary Lowe for up to $124,006.56 for the same period.

“[The contractor] is answering the phone for us after hours. If somebody needs emergency services, they connect them either to a crisis center or to 911,” explained Cheryl Prince McMillan, Sierra County behavioral health director, describing the Nevada County contract’s role in screening callers, meeting state reporting requirements and helping triage mobile-crisis responses.

The Nevada County contract consolidates multiple prior arrangements — respite care, mobile-crisis dispatch and after‑hours access — into a single agreement intended to reduce the need to hire additional full‑time staff and to meet Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) reporting and screening requirements. Prince McMillan said the county is separately seeking authorization to use another funding stream to support 211 access for clients.

Separately, the board approved a continuation contract with Mary Lowe, a licensed marriage and family therapist who provides primarily adult outpatient services, occasional care for teenagers 13 and up and backup supervision for crisis coverage. County staff said Lowe’s rates are comparable to peer clinicians in northern California and that Lowe has provided contracted services to Sierra County for many years.

Supervisors asked staff to present future behavioral‑health contracting items as board items rather than on consent, so supervisors can review the details before approval. Both contracts were approved by roll call vote; no ordinance changes were required.