Health Officials From Five Counties Support Central Valley Mental Health Program for Youths
Health directors from Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera and Merced counties have submitted letters of intent to Kaweah Delta District Hospital to aid in the development of an inpatient mental health program for children and teenagers in the Central Valley, the Fresno Bee reports. Mariposa County health officials said they will submit a letter of intent to the hospital soon.
The program would be intended for children ages nine to 18 who have serious emotional disabilities and need acute psychiatric hospitalization, according to Gary Zomalt, director of the Fresno County Department of Children and Family Services.
Patients would stay in the program for up to 30 days and receive treatment for mental health problems, including depression, schizophrenia, psychosis and anxiety. Health officials plan to make several visits to other mental health facilities, beginning Feb. 13, before presenting a final plan to the hospital's board of directors.
Each county will negotiate a separate contract with the hospital to determine reimbursement rates (Avalos, Fresno Bee, 2/6).