Sustaining Engagement Under BH-CONNECT
A Workforce Integration Framework For Specialty Mental Health Services And Coordinated Specialty Care
By Imani Lucas, MS
In Sustaining Engagement, United And Guided examines one of the most persistent challenges facing behavioral health systems today: how to maintain consistent engagement with individuals and families who experience trauma, housing instability, justice involvement, and barriers to traditional care systems.
This white paper explores how community-based workforce models — including Community Health Workers, Peer Support Specialists, and father-inclusive Medi-Cal doula services — can strengthen behavioral health engagement and improve long-term outcomes for Medi-Cal populations.
Drawing from real-world implementation in Sacramento communities, the paper highlights how trusted relationships, culturally responsive outreach, and community-centered service delivery can help individuals remain connected to care.
Rather than focusing only on referrals or short-term interventions, Sustaining Engagement emphasizes the importance of building consistent pathways between community spaces and behavioral health systems.
“Engagement is not a single interaction. It is a relationship built over time through trust, consistency, and cultural understanding.” — Imani Lucas, MS
Why Sustaining Engagement Matters
Across California, many individuals who need behavioral health services face challenges such as:
• stigma surrounding mental health support
• fragmented care coordination
• lack of trust in traditional systems
• housing instability and economic hardship
• justice system involvement
Without consistent engagement strategies, individuals may struggle to stay connected to services that support long-term recovery and stability.
Sustaining Engagement introduces a community-driven approach that connects behavioral health care with trusted environments where families already gather and seek support.
What You’ll Learn in the White Paper
The publication outlines a framework for strengthening engagement through:
• Community Health Worker outreach and care navigation
• Peer Support Specialists with lived experience
• Father-inclusive family stabilization services
• Medi-Cal doula services supporting perinatal mental health
• Integration with CalAIM and BH-CONNECT care coordination models
Together, these strategies help create more accessible and culturally responsive pathways to care.
Get Access to the Full White Paper
Sustaining Engagement offers insight for professionals working in behavioral health, maternal health, re-entry services, and community-based care coordination. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how community-driven engagement models can support:
• improved continuity of care
• stronger family relationships
• reduced crisis intervention needs
• long-term behavioral health stabilization
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