Mobile Mental Health Clinic to bring comprehensive care to Medi-Cal patients

Psychiatric Wellness Center is proud to announce the launch of its new Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Mobile Mental Health Clinic, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Kern County District Attorney's Office Family Justice Center. This ECM program is made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom's support of the CalAIM program and the California Department of Health Care Services.

"Our state's behavioral health expansion and transformation – including the introduction of 988, mobile crisis care and telehealth – are making mental health and substance use care better for Californians. It's an exciting step forward to see a new mobile clinic begin to provide critical mental health services to the rural areas of Kern County where patients may not always have access to care. Congratulations to Psychiatric Wellness Center on this important advancement towards serving our most vulnerable communities," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

As the largest and most comprehensive mental health clinic in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, Psychiatric Wellness Center is committed to delivering high-quality, accessible and personal care. This innovative mobile clinic will provide critical mental health services to the most vulnerable populations in rural areas of Kern County, where access to care is often limited. The mobile clinic services will be tailored to the unique needs of each of the rural communities within Kern County.

"Partnering with Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal allows us to expand our reach and better serve those who need it most," said Ganesh Acharya, CEO, Psychiatric Wellness Center. "This mobile clinic will bring a new level of access and support to residents who often face challenges in obtaining the care they deserve."

The mobile clinic will provide vital and key services including:

• Assisting patients to connect with doctors including mental health specialists.

• Case management assistance to coordinate medical appointments, transportation and connection to community resources.

• Comprehensive wraparound services for physical, mental and substance use health needs.

• Psychiatric evaluations, managing of medication and therapy.

• Facilitation of post hospital discharge, both medical and behavioral.

"We are honored to help bring essential mental health services and coordinated care directly to some of the County's more vulnerable populations who may not be able to easily get to a hospital or clinic," shared Les Ybarra, president of Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Health Plan. "We are committed to removing hurdles to care and pleased to be supporting Psychiatric Wellness Center's essential work to help close local health care disparity gaps as it expands its reach in Kern County."

The mobile clinic is a part of Psychiatric Wellness Center's Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program, which is designed to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for Medi-Cal patients with complex medical and behavioral health needs.