In the last year, a new level of care called the Mid Service Partnership (MSP) is filling that gap and showing promise. Designed by Freepik

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - For years, Placer County’s mental health services operated on two main levels — high-intensity Full-Service Partnership (FSP) and standard clinic services. But for many clients, neither was quite the right fit. In the last year, a new level of care called the Mid Service Partnership (MSP) is filling that gap and showing promise.

The county’s Adult System of Care primarily supports residents with Medi-Cal who are experiencing severe mental illness challenges, serving more than 5,000 people each year between county clinicians and contracted providers. The division launched the Mid Service Partnership model a year ago, and early data demonstrates success. Mid Service Partnership provides an intermediate level of care — offering clients more frequent contact than standard clinic services, but less intensity than the Full-Service Partnership program. Each Mid Service Partnership staff member supports about 40 clients, meeting every other week to focus on goal-setting and long-term progress.

“We noticed that there was a large gap in level of support. There were many people who needed something in the middle, and MSP gives us that ‘Goldilocks’ level of care—just right for many clients,” said Amy Ellis, director for ASOC.

While Full-Service Partnership teams focus on stabilization and shelter or housing for clients often facing homelessness or crisis, Mid Service Partnership clinicians help clients rebuild—setting goals and planning for the future. The new structure also makes it easier to transition clients between programs as their needs change.

Funded innovatively through Medi-Cal reimbursement similarly to clinic services, Mid Service Partnership complements the FSP program, which is supported through Mental Health Services Act funding. More than 200 residents are currently enrolled, with staffing being adjusted to meet demand.

“At the end of the day, this is about giving people exactly what they need for their recovery,” said program manager Dan Apgar. “We’re able to have more movement between our programs to provide responsive services as people’s needs change.”