Innovation Projects
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH
Innovation projects provide opportunities to test out new approaches. They are funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and administered locally through Ventura County Behavioral Health.
Innovation projects are new and creative mental health approaches that are designed to be learned from. They have a fixed length with a clear beginning and end, and are carefully evaluated. It's a chance to try out new directions that might inform current and future mental health services in communities.
CURRENT PRIORITIES
The current state and local priorities for mental health services are our unserved or underserved populations in Ventura County such as:
- Latinx
- Black and African American
- LGBTQIA
- Homeless
- People with dual diagnosis (mental health and substance use disorders)
- People at risk of suicide
INNOVATION PROJECT PURPOSE
Innovation projects must address at least one of these areas:
- Increase access to mental health services for underserved groups
- Increase the quality of mental health services, including measurable outcomes
- Promote interagency collaboration related to mental health services, supports, or outcomes
- Increase access to mental health services
- Increase access to mental health services, including permanent supportive housing
Do you have an Innovation Project idea?
QUESTIONS? LEARN MORE
CURRENT INNOVATION PROJECTS
Conocimiento: Addressing ACEs through Core Competencies
Active 2019-2023
Prevention program aiming to utilize community collaboration to reduce adverse outcomes in adolescents living in poverty or with ACES by increasing core competencies and building resilience.
Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Electronic Health Record – CalMHSA Multi-County Project
- CalMHSA Multi-County Electronic Health Record Innovation Brief
- EHR Multi-County Innovation Project Appendix and Budget Template – Guidelines
- Full Innovative Project Plan – Semi-Statewide Enterprise Health Record (EHR) Innovation
PAST INNOVATION PROJECTS
Healing the Soul – Curando el Alma
Active 2017-2021
Explores the possibility of uniting traditional and western healing approaches for the Mixteco Indigenous population.
Learn more >
Children’s Accelerated Access to Treatment and Services (CAATS)
Active 2017-2020
Provides a comprehensive intake and mental health treatment for all youth entering the child welfare system in an accelerated timeframe.
Suicide Prevention - Bartenders as Gatekeepers
Active 2018-2021
Training for bartenders and alcohol servers in suicide prevention and intervention
Push Technology
Active 2018-2021
Reminders for youth and adults discharging from hospitals or crisis stabilization services, offering text messaging assessment, connection, and appointments.
Learn more >
