Department of Health Care Access and Information launches $21.25 million program to train community behavioral health providers

The Department of Health Care Access and Information launched the Medical Behavioral Health Community-Based Provider Training Program (MBHCBTP) in a webinar that explained who may apply, what costs the grants will cover and when training must begin.

Angela Brand, section chief for the Behavioral Health Policy Unit at the department, said the current grant cycle has up to $21,250,000 available statewide and that individuals may be awarded up to $10,000 each to pay education and training costs. "This program supports individuals that are training to become alcohol or other drug counselors, community health workers, and peer support specialists," Brand said.

The program is part of California's BH Connect workforce initiative, which Brand said was enabled by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval of the BH Connect 1115 demonstration waiver in December 2024. Brand said HAI, in partnership with the Department of Health Care Services, plans to invest up to $1.9 billion in five workforce programs between 2025 and 2029.

Eligibility and permitted uses Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible training…