To improve delivery of behavioral health care in the community, Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is partnering with Chorus Innovations on a $2.3 million project to build a new care management system, following unanimous approval by the Board of Supervisors. The goal: to make care more coordinated, person-centered, and easier to access for those who need it most.
The new platform will play a pivotal role in advancing the goals of California’s CalAIM initiative by modernizing how care is coordinated, delivered, and managed across the County. Funded through a combination of implementation grants from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)—including a $1.8 million PATH CITED grant—the partnership will create vital new technology that expands access to behavioral health services and enhances care quality throughout the community.
Key Features of the New System Include:
- Comprehensive Care Management Tools: Supporting enhanced coordination of services and client care, including specialized programs serving Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), Justice-Involved Reentry populations, the CARE Act initiative and other Specialty Behavioral Health Court programs, Enhanced Care Management and Community Services and Supports.
- Countywide Closed-Loop Referral System: Connecting agencies and providers to streamline access and close service gaps.
- Support for Crisis and Access to Service Phone Lines: Enhancing response tools for the BHRS Access to Service Line, Crisis Line, and behavioral health mobile response teams.
In selecting Chorus, Merced County has embraced a collaborative, co-design approach that places the needs of frontline workers and community members at the center of the innovation process. The resulting platform will be a cornerstone in the County’s strategy to build a more equitable, responsive, and integrated behavioral health system.
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward in how we serve our community,” said Kimiko Vang, Director of Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “By investing in technology that helps us better coordinate care, respond in real time, and connect people to the right services, we’re building a more person-centered behavioral health system—one that’s easier to navigate and more responsive to the needs of those we serve.”
“We are honored to work alongside Merced County to help bring their vision of coordinated, human-centered behavioral health care to life,” said Armen Arevian, CEO of Chorus Innovations. “This partnership reflects the growing trust in flexible, community-informed technology to solve complex health challenges.”
This initiative strengthens Chorus’s expanding footprint in behavioral health systems across California and reinforces the role of county-led innovation in shaping the future of care delivery.
About Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services:
Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides an array of behavioral health and supportive services to Merced County residents living with a Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder. Prevention and Crisis Services are available to all County residents regardless of insurance. Treatment and intervention services are available for individuals with Medi-Cal or without adequate insurance. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be accessed by appointment, walk-in, or by contacting BHRS crisis and emergency services. Access to Service Line: 209-381-6800; 24/7 Crisis Line: 209-381-6819. Visit BHRS on our website.
About Chorus Innovations:
Chorus Innovations partners with public agencies and community organizations to design and deliver digital platforms that improve care coordination and access. With a focus on co-design, flexibility, and impact, Chorus supports the transformation of human services through technology that works for everyone.
