Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Are you passionate about peer support and mental health advocacy? Cal Voices invites you to join their upcoming Behavioral Health Transformation Workshops—a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of behavioral health in California.

These workshops are designed for:

• Peer support specialists
• Consumers and advocates
• Local and state behavioral health leaders

Why attend?

    🧠 Understand how California’s behavioral health transformation impacts peer support

    💬 Share your experiences and insights

    🤝 Collaborate with others shaping the future of care

    🧠 You may qualify for a waiver of the registration fee

    💬 You may qualify for a $100 travel stipend – the closest workshop is in Oakland on 10/1/2025

   🤝 6 Ethics and Boundaries CE’s are available and approved towards peer support re-certification

📅 Reserve your spot today! See the flyer attached for instructions and registration links. 

Let’s make sure peer voices are front and center in this transformation!

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa! 

Topics include: 

• Horizon Palm Avenue & Our Common Ground Detox Certification Expands Continuum of Care Services
• Partnering for Resilience: The Case of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Groups at Children’s Health Council Ravenswood
• Fostering Wellness Program
•  San Mateo County Overdose Prevention Coalition Meet & Greets

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website. 

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• BHRS Pharmacy Team: Your Go-To for Seamless Medication Support
• Innovative Integration: Primary Care, Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
• Psychiatry Residents Make Meaningful Contributions Locally and Beyond
• Puente Clinic Bridges Care for Nonverbal Clients
• Celebrating One Year of CARE Court

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• BHRS Transformation
• Upcoming Events

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• Behavioral Health Crisis Support Expands with Mobile Response Team
• May is Mental Health Month!
• Jei Africa Honored with Health Equity Champion Award
• MHEART Expands for Enhanced Collaboration and Training
• CWCRT Pilot Successfully Explores Mental Health Support for 911 Calls
• What’s Up With Prop 1? Behavioral Health Services Act Update

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• Welcoming Colleen Chawla and Honoring Louise Rogers’ Legacy
• Board of Supervisors Reaffirms Commitment to Vulnerable Communities
• Cordilleras Health and Healing Campus Moves Towards Completion
• Comprehensive BHRS Services & Programs Guide Now Available
• Wildfire Safety Event on April 26
• Health Equity Initiatives Seeking Co-Chair Roles Within BHRS
• Voices of Recovery Connection Center: Making a Difference

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Sharing this information on behalf of the San Mateo County Pride Center:

Join us in celebrating the beauty, strength, and visibility of our trans, gender diverse, and non-binary community! This year, Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is on March 31st; however, we think one day is just not enough… so, Pride Center is proud to host our second Trans Week of Visibility from March 25th – March 31st! We have some exciting plans in store for you:  

• Legal Name & Gender Change Workshop: Learn how to update your identity documents, get assistance with filling out the court paperwork, and find answers to any questions you have about the process.
  • Wed. 3/26, 6-7:30pm- Online
  • RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/name-and-gender-change-rsvp
• Trans 101 Workshop: Want to better understand the relevant and pressing needs of the transgender and non-binary communities? This training offers in-depth conversations on topics such as transphobia, transitioning, being an ally to people of all gender identities and expressions, and more. We conclude this training with tips and tricks on how to be an advocate for the trans community as well as resources for continued learning.
  • Thu. 3/27, 6-8pm- Online
  • Register at: https://tinyurl.com/Trans101March2025
• Becoming More Visibly You: Gender Affirmation Workshop: Explore your expression; Learn style/contour tricks; Discover different options around hair and make-up; Browse our gender-affirming closet; Connect with your community; and know where to find local resources (HRT, voice coaching, and more).
  • Thu. 3/27, 5:30-7:30pm –In Person
  • RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCVisiblyYou25
• A Mixer for Families of Trans Kids: Come join us for an evening with community. Meet other parents and caregivers of trans and gender nonconforming kids. The whole family is welcome. We will have icebreakers, a panel, and time to mix and mingle for the adults as well as activities for the kids.
  • Friday, 3/28, 6-7:30
  • RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCFamilyMixer
• Trans Day of Visibility Be-YOU-tiful Celebration: Join us in a celebration of YOU. Wear your best and help us party the evening away. We will have snacks and a DJ. Register in advance for a chance to win our giveaway prize.
  • Monday, March 31st 5-7pm
  • RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/TDOVBeYOUtifulCelebration25
• Regular Pride Center Drop-in Hours: Come visit us in-person, “shop” in our free gender affirming closet for a new chest binder, trans tape, makeup, clothes, and more. Tues-Thurs, 11:30am-6:30pm. The Pride Center is located at 1021 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo, 94402. Our building is located at 11th and El Camino.
  • Accessibility Information:
    • All community members are required to wear masks when onsite. If you forget yours, masks will be available at the entrance.
    • We have a parking lot with a LIMITED amount of spaces. Please consider carpooling. The parking lot is located by our entrance on 11th between Palm St. and El Camino. In case the lot fills up, there is plenty of street parking.
    • There is a wheel-chair accessible entrance located at the parking lot entrance.
    • The center is one block north of the ECR & 12th Avenue stop for Samtrans 397 and ECR.
    • The center has two gender neutral restrooms. Both are single stall, are large and have railings.
    • This is currently not a scent-free/fragrance-free space. We strive to be scent/fragrance-aware.
    • The Pride Center is a weapon and substance free Sober space.  

Questions? Please contact info@sanmateopride.org. Please RSVP to events you can attend and share this with your networks!

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• It Starts With a Call
• The Specialty Private Provider Network Matches Clients With Care
• Outpatient Utilization Management Drives Key Services Delivery
• Get to Know the Access Team

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter, Advancing Health Equity, from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa!

Topics include: 

• History of the Health Equity Initiatives
• BHRS Contract Monitoring Prioritizes Equity
• Advancing Language Access and Culturally Competent Services in BHRS
• Behavioral Health Services Act Update: Join the Transition Taskforce

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website.

Are you ready to transform your lived experience into a source of empowerment and positive change? The Lived Experience Academy (LEA) is an inspiring and supportive program designed for individuals with lived experience as consumers of behavioral health services—or as close relatives or loved ones. This academy offers participants the opportunity to leverage their personal journeys to make a lasting impact in their communities and within the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) system.

What You’ll Gain:

• Storytelling and Advocacy Skills: Learn how to share your story effectively and advocate for meaningful change.
• Supportive Peer Collaboration: Engage with a group of peers and facilitators who share similar experiences and are dedicated to mutual growth.
• Personal Empowerment: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, finding strength and wisdom in your lived experience.

Program Highlights:

• No Prior Experience Needed: Whether you’ve never written a story or spoken in public, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
• Stimulating Homework: Commit to 30–60 minutes of weekly assignments, including reflective writing.
• Safe and Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative group designed for those in a stable phase of recovery, ensuring a non-clinical, empowering experience.
• Incentive Stipend: participants that graduate will receive up to $240 after graduation.

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all classes attentively.
• Complete weekly assignments.
• Be ready for a rewarding, sometimes challenging, journey of personal growth.
• Commit to learning and sharing within a supportive community.

The LEA is not just a course—it’s an opportunity to channel your unique perspective into tools for advocacy and systemic transformation. Whether you’re new to the Academy or have previously been involved, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with others.

How to Apply:

Applications are now being accepted for our next session. The deadline to apply is Sunday January 19. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard and inspire change! Apply HERE.