New Clinical Documentation Guides Now Available
CalMHSA has updated its Clinical Documentation Guides for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) and Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD) to better serve counties.
The four previous guides have been streamlined into two comprehensive, updated documents—one for SMHS and one for SUD.
These updated guides:
- Align with current state documentation requirements
- Simplify and clarify expectations
- Support consistent, high-quality clinical documentation
Visit the links below to access the updated guides:
This recorded webinar, DHCS Screening & Transition of Care Tools: Understanding Current Requirements & New Changes, was originally presented on June 5, 2025. It provides an overview of the Screening and Transition of Care Tools for Medi-Cal Mental Health Services. The session covers the purpose and content of the tools, clarifies when the tools are not required, and highlights key considerations for ensuring they are administered as required by Behavioral Health Information Notice 25-020. View slide deck
Effective Administration of Screening Tools
This recorded webinar, Effective Administration of the Standardized Screening Tools, was originally presented on June 6, 2025, and is designed to strengthen skills in administering screening tools with increased effectiveness, accuracy, and care. The webinar explores trauma-informed screening practices, communication techniques, how to recognize when concerns should be escalated during the screening process, and more. View slide deck
CalMHSA updated the documentation training through a collaboration with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). These updated trainings reflect the most current documentation requirements and expectations to support the work of service providers.
- Foundations of Documentation and Service Delivery
- Access to Services
- Assessments
- Diagnosis, Problem Lists, and Care Planning
- Progress Notes
- Care Coordination
- Screening Tools for SMHS
- Transition of Care Tool
- Discharge Planning
- Effective Use of Screening Tools
Trainings are available on the CalMHSA Learning Management System (LMS) – Click here for LMS log-in information.
CalMHSA updated the trainings through a collaboration with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). These updated trainings reflect the most current information and expectations to support the work of service providers.”
- CPT Coding for Specialty Mental Health
- CPT Coding for DMC and DMC-ODS
Trainings are available on the CalMHSA Learning Management System (LMS) – Click here for LMS log-in information.