Health Alliance Services Program

Overview

The CalWORKs Community Health Alliance (HA) is a partnership between Santa Clara County Social Services Agency and Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital Systems’ DADS, Department of Mental Health. The purpose of this partnership is to provide comprehensive behavioral health services for CalWORKs clients and their family members. For a complete overview, refer to CWES Handbook Health Alliance (HA) Overview.

Services

Services provided by the HA include:

  • Dual diagnosis (both substance use and emotional issues) and mental health diagnoses,
  • Outpatient mental health treatment services,
  • Transitional Housing services, and
  • Psychiatric services.

Note: Clients with only substance abuse diagnoses are referred to DADS.

For more information on each service, refer to CWES Handbook Health Alliance (HA) Services.

Referral Procedures

Referrals to the HA service provider may be generated by any Social Services Agency staff member. HA referrals may also be made by any education and training site, community-based organization (CBO), or other agency working with CalWORKs clients. Clients can also self-refer. Referrals are made directly to the HA provider. For more information, refer to CWES Handbook Health Alliance (HA) Referral Procedures.

Time on Aid (TOA)

Some clients may need long-term treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse problems past the 60-month CalWORKs time limit. HA clinicians should continuously monitor the client’s TOA to ensure that ongoing treatment needs are addressed appropriately.

At the point the client only has six months left in their 60-month CalWORKs lifetime limit, the HA service provider must begin transitioning the client into mainstream treatment services. This will include counseling the client and, if necessary, requesting a review for an extender. CWES staff will review and approve the request based on extender guidelines. Refer to Extenders - After the 60-month CalWORKs Time Limit for more information on extenders.

Clients Eligible for SSI

If a client is unable to work and the following criteria are met, HA staff may refer the client to the SSI Plus Advocacy Program:

  • The client meets the seriously and persistently mentally ill (SPMI) criteria.
  • The client has significant organic brain disorders.
  • The client has developmental disabilities.

Related Topics

Health Alliance Services Program Requirements