FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Subject: Report on Public Mental Health Care System
Submitted For: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Department: Health Services
Referral No: 116
Referral Name: Public Mental Health Care System
Presenter: Dr. Suzanne Tavano, Director of Behavioral Health
Contact: Dr. Suzanne Tavano, (925) 957-5169
Referral History:
On October 30, 2017, the Family and Human Services Committee (FHS) accepted the report from the Health Services Department addressing various mental health service issues and concerns raised by the FHS, the Board of Supervisors, the Mental Health Commission’s White Paper, the Civil Grand Jury, and members of the public. These issues and concerns centered upon the difficulty in accessing mental health care, particularly for children and youth experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Indicative of this lack of access was the 1) increase in Psychiatric Emergency Services visits, 2) long wait times to access care, and 3) shortage of clinical staff, especially psychiatrists. The Health Services Department report addressed these issues and concerns and reported upon the initiatives and progress made to date.
The Department provides an update to the FHS annually. The last status report made to FHS was on April 14, 2025.
Referral Update:
Please see the attached 2026 report on the Public Mental Health Care System in Contra Costa County.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT the report from the Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Department on the Public Mental Health Care System, and FORWARD to the Board of Supervisors for their information.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact.