BH-CONNECT Frequently Asked Questions
General BH-CONNECT FAQ
Q: What are the different programs available as part of the Workforce Initiative?
A: The Workforce Initiative includes five workforce programs to address shortages in qualified practitioners serving Medi-Cal members and uninsured individuals who are living with or at-risk for behavioral health conditions:
- Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program (MBH-SLRP)
- Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program (MBH-SP)
- Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program (MBH-RRP)
- Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Community-Based Provider Training Program (MBH-CBPTP)
- Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Residency Training Program (MBH-RTP)/Fellowship Training Program (FTP)
Q: How can I and/or my organization stay informed about BH-CONNECT programs/cycles?
A: Join the Workforce Programs Update mailing list to receive program announcements: https://hcai.ca.gov/mailing-list/
Q: Which BH-CONNECT programs can organizations apply for?
A: MBH-RTP/FTP (Residency/Fellowship Training Program) and MBH-RRP (Recruitment and Retention Program)
Q: Which BH-CONNECT programs can individuals apply for?
A: MBH-SLRP (Student Loan Repayment), MBH-SP (Scholarship Program), MBH-CBPTP (Community-Based Provider Training Program)
Q: Can I apply for more than one HCAI program, including BH-CONNECT?
A: You may apply for more than one HCAI loan repayment or scholarship program at a time. However, if awarded, you may only accept one award, as you can only commit to one service obligation at a time. A grantee may apply for additional awards following the successful completion of their service obligation.
We cannot advise on which program best suits your circumstances or your likelihood of success for any HCAI program.
Q: Where/how will applicants apply for BH-CONNECT programs?
A: When application cycles are open, application links will be added to the HCAI webpages for each program. Links to the program webpages can be found on HCAI’s BH-CONNECT Workforce Initiative webpage.
Q: Is there a service obligation for all of the programs?
A: All individuals who are awarded will be required to complete a 2-, 3-, or 4-year service obligation (which may vary by program/profession/award amount).
Q: Where does the service obligation need to be completed?
A: Grantees must complete their service obligation in one or more of these Medi-Cal safety net settings:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
- Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) as defined and certified by the California Department of Public Health
- Rural Health Clinics (RHC)
- Settings with the following payer mix:
a. Hospitals with 40 percent or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured population
b. Rural hospitals with 30 percent or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured
c. Other behavioral health settings* with 40 percent or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured population
*Other behavioral health settings include organizations that are enrolled in Medi-Cal, deliver Medi-Cal-covered behavioral health services, and fall into one of the below settings:
- Community Treatment Facility (Must hold a DHCS mental health program approval)
- Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)
- Indian Health Care providers
- Independent licensed practitioner contracted with a behavioral health plan or managed care plan for specialty or non-specialty behavioral health services
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) licensed by the California Department of Public Health
- Narcotic Treatment Programs
- Qualifying provider organizations that deliver primarily field-based or telehealth Medi-Cal behavioral health services (see below for telehealth requirements)
- Outpatient behavioral health clinics (other than certified outpatient SUD)
- Primary care or other clinic setting with co-located behavioral health services
- Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF)
- School-based behavioral health setting
- Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program/Children’s Crisis Residential Program (Must hold a DHCS mental health program approval)
- Skilled Nursing Facility with a Special Treatment Program for mental health (Must hold a DHCS mental health program approval)
- Social Rehabilitation Facility/Program (Must hold a DHCS mental health program approval)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility (residential)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program (outpatient)
Q: When does the service obligation need to be started/completed?
A: The start date and completion date of the service obligation will vary by program/cycle/grant agreement.
Q: What circumstances allow an awardee’s service obligation to be waived?
A: The following extraordinary circumstances may result in the waiver of a service obligation:
a. Disability or Serious Illness- A Grantee experiences a documented long-term medical condition or disability that renders them unable to fulfill their service obligation.
b. Death of Grantee- In the event of a Grantee’s death, all service obligations are considered null and void.
c. Military Deployment or Activation- A Grantee is called to active duty in the United States Armed Forces, including activation if the Grantee is a reservist or the drafting of the Grantee into active service, and the length of time in the armed services renders them unable to fulfill their service obligation. This does not include circumstances where the grantee voluntarily enlists into the armed forces.
d. Loss of Immigration or Legal Residency Status- A Grantee loses lawful immigration or legal residency status thereby preventing the Grantee from legally working in the state.
Q: What circumstances allow an awardee’s service obligation to be suspended?
A: The following circumstances may result in the suspension of a service obligation:
a. Natural Disaster, Act of God, or Declared Emergency- A major natural disaster, catastrophic event, or declared local, state, or federal emergency significantly disrupts Grantee’s ability to fulfill their obligation.
b. Institution or Site Closure or Program Disruption- The assigned service site, educational institution, or program closes or becomes non-operational, and an alternative placement is not immediately available. Grantees who are granted a suspension will be given 6 months to become reemployed in an eligible setting. HCAI may extend the suspension period on a case-by-case basis.
c. Temporary Disability- A Grantee experiences a disability that is temporary in nature and temporarily precludes them from fulfilling their service obligation.
d. Military Deployment or Activation- A Grantee is called to active duty in the United States Armed Forces, including activation if the Grantee is a reservist or the drafting of the Grantee into active service, and the length of time in the armed services renders them temporarily unable to fulfill their service obligation. This does not include circumstances where the grantee voluntarily enlists into the armed forces.
Q: What happens if a grantee does not complete their service obligation and is not granted a suspension/waiver by HCAI?
A: For failure to start or complete the service obligation, HCAI or HCAI’s designee will recover the total amount paid by HCAI or HCAI’s designee from the Grantee. Any amount HCAI is entitled to recover from the Grantee for breach of this Agreement will be required to be paid within 8 months of the date HCAI determines that the Grantee is in breach of the Agreement.
Q: Can past service count for the service obligation?
A: No, past service does not count toward the service obligation for BH-CONNECT.
Q: Do grantees have to remain employed in the same position for the length of the service obligation?
A: Grantees are able to change sites from one eligible practice site to another eligible practice site. Grantees may also change professions from one eligible profession to another eligible profession. For example, a Grantee may be promoted to another eligible profession type.
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program FAQ
For some helpful resources, please scroll down to the Resources section on this page: Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program.
Q: Where is the link to apply for the MBH-SLRP?
A: On the HCAI BH-CONNECT MBH-SLRP website
Q: What the key dates for the 2026 cycle of MBH-SLRP?
A: The MBH-SLRP Grant Guide provides these key dates:
- Application Available: May 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
- Application Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
- Anticipated Award Notice: September 2026
- Proposed Grant Agreement Start Date: October 2026
Q: How many cycles of MBH-SLRP will HCAI offer?
A: HCAI anticipates offering 4 cycles (including the past 2025 cycle).
- Cycle 1: 2025
- Cycle 2: 2026
- Cycle 3: 2027
- Cycle 4: 2028
Q: Which professions are eligible for this loan repayment program?
A: Individuals with qualifying education debt who work in the following professions may be eligible:
- Addiction Medicine Physician
- AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Counselors
- Associate Clinical Social Worker
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
- Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Certified Wellness Coach
- Community Health Worker (Promotores/Representatives)
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Psychiatric Technician
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physician Assistant
- Psychology Associates
- Psychiatrist (including Addiction and Child and Adolescent Psyciatrist)
- Registered Nurse
Q: I’m currently in school. Can I apply now, and will this program pay for loans for degrees not yet received?
A: No, the MBH-SLRP is designed for individuals who have completed their education and training. MBH-SLRP only offers loan repayment for eligible educational loan debt for completed degrees and/or certificates that led to your current eligible profession at the time of application.
Q: I’m an associate but do not have the associate registration number yet. Am I eligible?
A: Only Associates who have received their associate registration number may apply. Associates who have not received their associate registration number, they will need to wait until a future cycle of MBH-SLRP to apply.
Q: Can someone in an administrative role apply? What is considered direct client care services?
A: The goal of the MBH-SLRP is to address shortages in qualified practitioners serving Medi-Cal members and uninsured individuals who are living with or at-risk for behavioral health conditions.
Grantees must provide full-time behavioral health services while delivering direct client care.
For purposes of this program, the following definitions are used to identify eligible applicants:
- Full-Time Service: Defined as a minimum of 32 hours per week providing direct client care or 30 hours per week of direct care in a school setting.
- Direct Client Care: This includes behavioral health services such as prevention, early intervention, assessment, treatment, counseling, procedures, patient self-care, patient education, and documentation relating to patient encounters being treated by or suspected of needing behavioral health services. Direct client care includes face-to-face care, telehealth-based care, and first-line supervision.
- First-line Supervision: The supervising staff who provides direct supervision over the staff who are providing the direct client care. Hours spent on first-line supervision may be included only if the supervised staff require direct oversight in order to deliver client care.
Q: Can I still apply while I am pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
A: Participating in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program from the United States Department of Education would not disqualify you for the MBH-SLRP.
If you are awarded the MBH-SLRP, and then your loans are forgiven and/or paid off by PSLF during the course of the Agreement Term, you must contact your HCAI Program Officer via email to review available options.
Applicants will not be awarded more than the total educational debt remaining on their loan balance at the time of payment.
a. HCAI or HCAI’s designee will issue a single payment directly to the grantee’s loan servicer(s) as identified in their application. For the 2026 cycle, the payment will be made within the period of November 2026 to November 2027.
b. The award cannot exceed the remaining student loan debt amount. If the grantee’s student loan debt threshold has reduced below the award amount at the time HCAI or HCAI’s designee is able to make the payment, the payment amount will correspondingly be reduced.
Q: What if my loan is in deferment or forbearance?
A: To be eligible, your loans must be in good standing (e.g. the loan cannot be in a default)); deferment and forbearance statuses are acceptable.
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Residency Training Program /Fellowship Training Program FAQ
Q: What are the key dates for the 2026 cycle of MBH-FTP?
A: The MBH-FTP Grant Guide provides these key dates:
- Application Available: March 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Application Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Anticipated Award Notice: July 2026
- Proposed Grant Agreement Start Date: August 2026
Q: How many cycles of MBH-RTP will HCAI offer?
A: HCAI anticipates offering 3 cycles (including the past 2025 cycle).
- Cycle 1: 2025 (Residency Programs + 1-year and 2-year Fellowships)
- Cycle 2: 2026 (1-year and 2-year Fellowships)
- Cycle 3: 2027 (1-year Fellowships)
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program FAQ
Q: What are the key dates for the 2026 cycle of MBH-SP?
A: The MBH-SP Grant Guide provides these key dates:
- Application Available: February 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Application Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Anticipated Award Notice: June 2026
- Proposed Grant Agreement Start Date: August 2026
Q: When will the next application cycle open?
A: HCAI anticipates opening the nextapplication cycle of MBH-SP in February 2027.
Q: How many cycles of MBH-SP will HCAI offer?
A: HCAI anticipates offering 3 cycles.
- Cycle 1: 2026
- Cycle 2: 2027
- Cycle 3: 2028
Q: Which degrees are eligible for this program?
A: Individuals must be pursuing behavioral health degrees or certifications that directly lead to the following professions:
- AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Counselors
- Associate Clinical Social Worker
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
- Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Certified Wellness Coach
- Community Health Worker (Promotores/Representatives)
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Psychiatric Technician
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physician Assistant
- Psychology Associate
- Registered Nurse
Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and supplies associated with the cost of attendance.
Q: Can the scholarship cover living costs?
A: HCAI will open the first application cycle of MBH-CBPTP in March 2026.
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Community-Based Provider Training Program FAQ
Q: What are the key dates for the 2026 cycle of MBH-CBPTP?
A: The MBH-CBPTP Grant Guide provides these key dates:
- Application Available: March 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Application Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Anticipated Award Notice: July 2026
- Proposed Grant Agreement Start Date: August 2026
Q: When will the next application cycle open?
A: HCAI anticipates opening the next application cycle of MBH-CBPTP in March 2027.
Q: How many cycles of MBH-CBPTP will HCAI offer?
A: HCAI anticipates offering 3 cycles, (although this is subject to change based on program uptake).
- Cycle 1: 2026
- Cycle 2: 2027
- Cycle 3: 2028
Q: Which training programs can I attend as a part of this program?
A: Eligible training programs will vary by profession:
- AOD Counselors: Eligible programs are those that are approved by the certifying entities: California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE), California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professional (CCAPP).
- Peer Support Specialists: Eligible programs are those that are approved by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).
- CHW/P/R: HCAI does not have an exhaustive list at this time, but eligible training programs will need to align with the Certificate Pathway/CHW Certificate guidelines as described in SPA 22-0001:
- “CHW Certificate: A certificate of completion, including but not limited to any certificate issued by the State of California or a State designee, of a curricula that attests to demonstrated skills and/or practical training in the following areas: communication, interpersonal and relationship building, service coordination and navigation, capacity building, advocacy, education and facilitation, individual and community assessment, professional skills and conduct, outreach, evaluation and research, and basic knowledge in public health principles and social determinants of health, as determined by the supervising provider. Certificate programs shall also include field experience as a requirement.”
Q: Will this program cover living expenses?
A: No
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program FAQ
Q: When will the first application cycle open?
A: HCAI anticipates opening the first application cycle of MBH-RRP on June, 1 of 2026
Q: How many cycles of MBH-RRP will HCAI offer?
A: HCAI anticipates offering 3 cycles, (although this is subject to change based on program uptake).
- Cycle 1: 2026
- Cycle 2: 2027
- Cycle 3: 2028
Please check back for more information on MBH-RRP as we approach the anticipated program launch in June 2026.