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 Date: July 7, 2026
To: BHS Contracted Service Providers
From: Behavioral Health Services
General Topic: BH-CONNECT Funding Opportunity
Subject: BH-CONNECT | Funding Available to Cover Backfill Costs for EBP Training
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Please see below and attached for information about a new funding opportunity under the Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program (MBH-RRP), administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) through the BH-CONNECT Workforce Initiative.
BH-CONNECT now provides reimbursement to cover backfill costs for behavioral health providers whose staff participate in Evidence‑Based Practice (EBP) training. This support is intended to reduce staffing and operational barriers that prevent providers from accessing high‑quality training.
Key Highlights:
- Eligible behavioral health practitioners can receive support while completing approved EBP training.
- Providers may claim reimbursement for backfill coverage, so client services are not disrupted.
- This funding is part of the State’s broader effort to strengthen the behavioral health workforce.
- Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m., July 15, 2026. Review the 2026 Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program (MBH‑RRP) Grant Guide for program guidance and requirements.
Program details, eligibility, and application information are available at: https://hcai.ca.gov/workforce/initiatives/behavioral-health-bh-connect/mbhrrp/
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Past Communications
Visit Optum to view all Behavioral Health Services provider communications sent on behalf of the department.
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