About BHS

Optimal Care Pathways Models

San Diego County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is committed to the Triple Aim of healthcare, which aligns efforts to improve the member experience of care, improve health outcomes of our communities, and reduce per capita cost.

To move us toward these goals, BHS sought a new approach to healthcare planning and investment – one that starts with San Diegans in need of care and recognizes how our services can work together to best support their pathways to wellness. To achieve this, we needed a model centered on a whole-person approach and informed by data and best practices.

The Optimal Care Pathways (OCP) model was developed as a practical, data-driven method to guide investments across the BHS system. It helps ensure our members receive the care that best meets their needs and continues to support them as those needs change over time.

Using national and local data, the goal of the OCP model is to:

  • Achieve optimal capacity with reasonable growth across service lines
  • Remove barriers to care
  • Reduce per capita cost
  • Connect individuals to the right care at the right time to support long-term wellness and recovery.

To date, BHS has applied the OCP model to the following systems of care: ​

Crisis Through Long-Term Care for Mental Health OCP Model

First introduced to the Board of Supervisors in September 2022 as the original Mental Health OCP model, the Crisis Through Long-Term Care for Mental Health OCP model focuses on mental health services for adults who may need the additional support that a 24-hour crisis, hospital, or long-term care setting can provide.

Board Actions

Substance Use OCP Model

Presented to the Board of Supervisors in March 2025, the Substance Use OCP model focuses on enhancements to the system of care for adults needing substance use treatment with the goal of engaging more people in need and continuing support throughout their recovery journey.

Board Actions

Youth OCP Model

Presented to the Board of Supervisors in March 2026, the Youth OCP model focuses on building and right-sizing capacity across the continuum of behavioral health services geared toward children and youth ages 0-25 to include transition age youth (TAY).

Board Actions