Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive standard Mental Health Services Agreement between the County of Monterey and Equip Health Medical PC for the provision of virtual intensive outpatient services for eating disorders for children/youth, for a maximum County obligation of $200,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($20,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $220,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive standard Mental Health Services Agreement between the County of Monterey and Equip Health Medical PC for the provision of virtual intensive outpatient services for eating disorders for children/youth, for a maximum County obligation of $200,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($20,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $220,000.
SUMMARY:
Equip Health Medical PC delivers virtual outpatient care for eating disorders (“EDs”) by providing each Participant with a multidisciplinary Care Team: therapist, dietitian, behavioral health coaches and medical provider that will service Participant and their family using a secure telehealth platform to deliver both unlimited video-sessions, between-session messaging, a shared medical record, and treatment team meetings. Treatment is based on a cohesive team-based approach that is family-focused, goal-oriented, and evidence-based. The Contractor will screen for instability, acute suicidality, and psychosis, and provide a referral to a higher level of care if needed. The Agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2026, due to contract negotiations with Equip Health Medical PC.
DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Behavioral Health Bureau has maintained a contractual relationship with Equip Health Medical PC since 2024 to provide specialized eating disorder treatment services for children/youth. Through this partnership, Equip Health Medical PC delivers virtual outpatient care for eating disorders (“EDs”) by providing each Participant with a multidisciplinary Care Team: therapist, dietitian, behavioral health coaches and medical provider that will service Participant and his/her family using a secure telehealth platform to deliver both unlimited video-sessions, between-session messaging, a shared medical record, and treatment team meetings.
Equip Health Medical PC’s multidisciplinary Care Team includes trained and licensed therapists, medical providers, and dietitians, all of whom specialize in eating disorders, as well as certified mentors for both the patient and the people supporting them. Every therapist is licensed and has training in eating disorder treatment. Their medical providers are MDs (physicians, pediatricians, or psychiatrists), registered nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with training in eating disorders. Care begins with a higher level of support through several appointments per week and gradually decreases as each patient moves through their treatment journey and toward recovery. Length of treatment varies from patient to patient, but the average patient in remission discharges after 51 weeks.
This retroactive Agreement is being presented late to the Board due to administrative delays associated with contract negotiations. Services continued during this period to ensure that children and youth requiring medically necessary treatment had uninterrupted and timely access to appropriate levels of care.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal of Providing Exceptional Person-Centered Care through Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel, and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded by 2011 Realignment. The funds for this Agreement for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 are included in the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau (Fund 1310, Department 400005) FY 2026-27 adopted budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports and advances the Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goal of Well-Being and Quality of Life by allowing for the provision of mental health services for clients participating in programs at Equip Health Medical PC, allowing them to access health programs to support their quality of life.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life (Services: Provide service enhancements to support well-being and quality of life.)
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Ana Tienda Marin, Management Analyst II, 755-4703
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement