Behavioral Health panel reports increased therapy scholarships and expanded grant awards

The San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions Panel presented its 2025 report and 2026 grant plan to county commissioners June 3, outlining scholarship disbursements, care coordination contracts with Tri‑County Health Network and a growing slate of local grants to schools, medical centers and community nonprofits.

Panel administrator Carrie Brock said the Behavioral Health Fund has approved 284 clients so far this year and has issued scholarship commitments totaling roughly $225,000; Tri‑County and the panel have focused on keeping an accessible, month‑by‑month care pathway for local residents. Brock said the panel provided nearly $200,000 in direct payments to therapists in 2025 and uses care coordinators to connect clients with providers and help with social‑determinants issues such as food and housing access.

The panel funded nine organizations in 2025 (school counselors, crisis advocates, grief groups and integrated behavioral health positions at both medical centers). For 2026 the panel allocated about $750,000 in grants across schools, medical centers, crisis services and community groups, including a large award to Norwood School District to strengthen in‑school counseling, and continued multi‑year support for integrated care at the regional medical centers.

Brock and commissioners noted a recent increase in session demand after the Recovery Access Fund and other layered funding streams were used; the panel said some funding sources have been depleted and providers have varying insurance participation. Commissioners encouraged continued coordination to strengthen crisis response and provider billing capacity.

Next steps: Panel and Tri‑County will continue care coordination, monitor RAF availability, refine scholarship policy and report back on service gaps and insurer engagement.