The Behavioral Health Training Services (BHTS) department works to address occupational community-based shortages in the public mental health system. It is funded by the Workforce, Education and Training (WET) component of MHSA and is focused on training staff members with the necessary skill sets to provide services in accordance with MHSA principles offering education and training that promote wellness, recovery, and resilience to county staff and that of contracting community partners.
Skill building and education are also being provided to prepare and encourage the employment of mental health consumers and family members within the behavioral health system. Effort is also focused on developing and maintaining a culturally responsive bicultural/bilingual workforce.
Many trainings administered through Behavioral Health Training Services for behavioral health professionals are designed to meet requirements for Continuing Education and Continuing Medical Education credits. The Continuing Education Online program is intended for convenient access to some of the behavioral health trainings conducted by Behavioral Health Training Services. For more information, please contact the Behavioral Health Training Services Office at (714) 667-5600.
BHTS Contracted Providers:
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) CIT provides behavioral health training for law enforcement officers and public safety officers to increase their competence in handling emergency situations involving persons with mental illness. The training will enable them to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to respond effectively and appropriately to people who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis to minimize harm.
Recovering Education Institute (REI) REI serves adult participants, eighteen (18) years of age and older and currently receiving services with OCHCA's behavioral health system and their family members. REI provides trainings on basic life skills, career management and academic preparedness; also offers certificate programs to solidify the personal and academic skills necessary to work in mental health field.
Community Health Training
Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth) MHFA teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. For more information about our upcoming trainings, please email bhts@ochca.com
Spirituality In an effort to provide culturally relevant and competent behavioral health services, BHTS provides ongoing trainings with a focus on integrating spirituality in behavioral health. In addition to the trainings, BHTS hosts a bi-annual Spirituality Conference, bringing together clinicians, consumers, clergy and members from the faith-based communities.
Promoting health equity by enhancing culturally responsive and inclusive behavioral health services to all ethnic and cultural groups
Cultural Competence Committee
Recognizing the need for a dedicated (separate) Cultural Competence Committee, HCA/BHS formed the Cultural Competence Committee (CCC) in 2016, which includes members from the community and county that also represent or serve persons from the diverse ethnic and cultural groups in Orange County. The Cultural Competence Committee's overarching goal is to increase cultural awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness in the OC-BHS response to the needs of diverse cultural populations to foster hope, wellness, resilience and recovery in our communities. The CCC meetings are held monthly.
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