Screening and Transition of Care Tools for Medi-Cal Mental Health Services

Previously, multiple behavioral health screening and transition of care tools were in use for Medi-Cal beneficiaries across the state, leading to inconsistencies for when beneficiaries were referred to mental health plan networks versus managed care networks. CalAIM seeks to streamline this process and improve patient care by creating standardized statewide tools.

DHCS conducted a robust stakeholder process to develop statewide Screening and Transition of Care Tools for both adults and individuals under 21 years old (youth) for use by County Mental Health Plans (MHPs) and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs). DHCS developed standardized Adult and Youth Screening Tools to determine the most appropriate Medi-Cal mental health delivery system referral (i.e., MHP or MCP) for beneficiaries who are not currently receiving mental health services when they contact the MCP or MHP seeking mental health services. In addition, DHCS developed a standardized Transition of Care Tool to ensure that Medi-Cal beneficiaries receive timely and coordinated care when completing a transition of services to the other delivery system or when adding a service from the other delivery system to their existing mental health treatment. The Screening and Transition of Care Tools were developed with robust stakeholder input, including beta and pilot testing with participating MCPs and MHPs in a variety of counties across the state including counties with large urban areas, small population sizes, and large rural regions.

Statewide implementation of Screening and Transition of Care Tools is effective January 1, 2023. The Screening and Transition of Care Tools Frequently Asked Questions webpage is live and will be updated regularly.