Third Sector is partnering with the Orange County Health Care Agency to provide comprehensive implementation support and subject matter expertise for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), California’s landmark legislation to transform behavioral health systems. Under the BHSA, counties must redesign Full Service Partnerships (FSPs) to prioritize behavioral health equity, integrate mental health and substance abuse services, and deliver measurable outcomes.

This work falls under Orange County’s PIVOT initiative, a multi-component BHSA Innovation project designed to test bold approaches to behavioral health transformation. Through this effort, Third Sector will serve as a strategic partner in interpreting BHSA requirements, advising on statutes, regulations, and policy shifts, and helping Orange County translate those into actionable program and system improvements. 

Over the course of this multi-year partnership, Third Sector will:

• Provide technical guidance to align FSPs with evolving BHSA standards;
• Apply best practices to inform system-wide changes;
• Facilitate regular stakeholder engagement and input;
• Support the integration of co-occurring mental health and substance use FSP models; and
• Strengthen the County’s ability to sustain behavioral health equity-centered care.

“Orange County is leading with vision during a major shift in California’s behavioral health system that has the potential to revolutionize care for County residents,” said Will Rhett, Managing Director of Behavioral Health at Third Sector. “Third Sector is honored to serve as a partner in implementation and policy, bringing deep subject matter expertise to support long-term, sustainable changes that deliver supportive outcomes for communities.”

Third Sector’s role builds on a track record of helping California behavioral health agencies to maximize the impact of FSP programs and deliver transformational change in service delivery. By aligning local implementation with state policy goals, Orange County is laying the groundwork for a more integrated, community-centered, and outcomes-focused behavioral health system.

For more information, contact Will Rhett, Managing Director, Behavioral Health, at wrhett@thirdsectorcap.org or Michael Berton, Manager, Partnerships & Project Development, at mberton@thirdsectorcap.org.