Optimal Care Pathways Model

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The County of San Diego (County), Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department developed the Behavioral Health Continuum Optimal Care Pathways (OCP) model in 2022. The OCP model aims to recalibrate and expand current services to ensure equity in services across the behavioral health continuum of care. It is a data-informed algorithm that quantifies the optimal utilization and the capacity needed across the system within four distinct domains: Community Crisis Diversion, Subacute Services, Community-Based Care, and Acute Inpatient Services. It is anticipated the implementation of the OCP model will significantly improve the behavioral health care continuum and lead to better outcomes that put individuals first, promote health equity, prevent homelessness and/or incarceration, and address the disparity faced by people with behavioral health issues. It will also connect people to the care they need, when they need it, to ensure wellness over the long-term.