San Francisco updates mental health services focusing on wait times and new leadership
January 03, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on updates regarding mental health services, overdose prevention, and care courts. Key discussions centered on the ongoing development of performance metrics for mental health services, particularly the Mental Health SF initiative aimed at assisting individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders, especially those experiencing homelessness.
During the meeting, officials highlighted the mission of DPH to promote behavioral health for all San Franciscans through early intervention and equitable health outcomes. A significant announcement was made regarding the appointment of Imo Momo as the new managed care director, completing the senior leadership team for behavioral health.
The meeting provided insights into the current state of mental health services, revealing that approximately 8,700 individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco have serious mental health or substance use issues. Notably, 84% of this population has a substance use disorder, while 51% have a serious mental illness, with many individuals affected by both conditions.
A key performance metric discussed was the median wait time for Intensive Case Management (ICM) services, which was reported to be 35 days. This metric is crucial as it reflects the accessibility of care for those in need. The meeting also revealed that individuals who waited longer than 10 business days often received alternative behavioral health care during their wait.
Further analysis of wait times indicated disparities based on age, gender, and language. Older adults experienced longer wait times compared to younger adults, and men waited longer than women. Additionally, individuals who spoke English as their primary language had longer wait times than those who spoke other languages.
To address these issues, DPH plans to implement several countermeasures, including hiring additional staff and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to expand ICM services. The department aims to improve the flow of clients transitioning to routine outpatient care and will publish wait time data every six months to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing mental health services and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, with a focus on reducing wait times and improving access to care.
During the meeting, officials highlighted the mission of DPH to promote behavioral health for all San Franciscans through early intervention and equitable health outcomes. A significant announcement was made regarding the appointment of Imo Momo as the new managed care director, completing the senior leadership team for behavioral health.
The meeting provided insights into the current state of mental health services, revealing that approximately 8,700 individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco have serious mental health or substance use issues. Notably, 84% of this population has a substance use disorder, while 51% have a serious mental illness, with many individuals affected by both conditions.
A key performance metric discussed was the median wait time for Intensive Case Management (ICM) services, which was reported to be 35 days. This metric is crucial as it reflects the accessibility of care for those in need. The meeting also revealed that individuals who waited longer than 10 business days often received alternative behavioral health care during their wait.
Further analysis of wait times indicated disparities based on age, gender, and language. Older adults experienced longer wait times compared to younger adults, and men waited longer than women. Additionally, individuals who spoke English as their primary language had longer wait times than those who spoke other languages.
To address these issues, DPH plans to implement several countermeasures, including hiring additional staff and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to expand ICM services. The department aims to improve the flow of clients transitioning to routine outpatient care and will publish wait time data every six months to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing mental health services and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, with a focus on reducing wait times and improving access to care.
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