On October 30, 2017 the Family and Human Services Committee accepted the report from the Health Services Department addressing various mental health service issues and concerns raised by the Family and Human Services Committee, 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 to 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 Family and Human Services Committee asked the Department to provide an update to the Mental Health Commission in six months, and to the Family and Human Services Committee thereafter.   
  
The Health Services Department has complied by meeting with the Mental Health Commission regarding these issues on several occasions in 2018. The attached report, which was presented to our Committee on September 24, 2018, summarizes the most current update, and articulates a partnership plan between the Department and the Commission to work together going forward to resolve these issues. Behavioral Health Services Director Matthew White and Mental Health Commission Chair Barbara Serwin presented the jointly prepared report. Dr. White reported the addition of psychiatrist staff. Ms. Serwin acknowledged improved relations between Behavioral Health and the Commission, citing reforms including development of an information dashboard and proactive data reporting, regular leadership meetings, and collaborative problem solving, particularly on the issue of wait times. She mentioned an upcoming retreat as an example of this positive collaboration.