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GOBHI Providers Behavioral Health Newsletter January 2026

  • Writer: GOBHI
    GOBHI
  • 5 days ago
  • 5 min read

NW Regional CIT Conference Call for Presenters

We are excited to invite presenters to submit proposals for the 2026 Northwest Regional Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference, taking place May 19–20, 2026, at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, Washington.

The Northwest Regional CIT Conference brings together first responders, behavioral health professionals, crisis responders, advocates, and community partners dedicated to improving crisis response and strengthening CIT programming across the region.



The 2026 conference theme is: “Crisis to Connection: Restoring Safety, Dignity, and Hope.”

Across two days, the conference will feature:

  • Keynote presentations

  • Breakout sessions

  • Networking opportunities

  • An awards banquet recognizing outstanding contributions to crisis response


We are seeking engaging, informative, and practical session proposals that align with the conference theme and support collaboration, skill-building, and innovation in crisis intervention work.


Presenter Proposal Deadline: March 2, 2026


We encourage submissions from a wide range of perspectives and disciplines and welcome proposals from both experienced and first-time presenters.

Thank you for the important work you do, and we hope you’ll consider sharing your knowledge and experience at the 2026 Northwest Regional CIT Conference.

OHA Memorandum: New Residential and Withdrawal Management Reporting Requirements into Oregon Behavioral Health Capacity System (OBCS)


Beginning May 1, 2026, OBCS will become the official platform for reporting all licensed adult mental health residential (SRTF, RTF, RTH) and SUD residential and withdrawal management capacity data, and Lines for Life capacity reporting will be discontinued. OBCS provides real-time visibility into statewide bed availability, an essential tool for ensuring timely placements.


To ensure a smooth transition to OBCS for capacity reporting, all providers must begin the onboarding process with OBCC no later than February 3, 2026. Although providers have until May 1, 2026 to switch reporting to OBCS, we encourage you to get fully onboarded as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time for the transition and to resolve any technical difficulties before Lines for Life reporting is officially discontinued.


Once providers are fully onboarded and have consistently reported into OBCS for two weeks (either through manual entry or automated entry), they may discontinue reporting to Lines for Life. This phased approach is critical to ensure that referral agents and providers have full, uninterrupted access to bed capacity data. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience that duplicative reporting may cause during your two-week transition period.


Providers may contact Aaron Kerr, OBCC Operations Manager, with any questions and to begin the onboarding process, via the OHSU General Mailbox: obcc@ohsu.edu.


Talk to Our Behavioral Health Navigator: Here to Support Your Path to Care


GOBHI is pleased to announce the addition of a Behavioral Health Navigator – a role designed to improve coordination of care and help individuals access behavioral health services more easily than ever.


Our navigator is here to:


  • Help members connect to and schedule behavioral health appointments.

  • Serve as a direct contact for primary care providers and emergency departments to arrange behavioral health support for members in real time.


This service strengthens timely access to care and supports individuals in navigating the behavioral health system with confidence.


Contact:

Sean Ross

Behavioral Health Navigator

Phone: 541-209-6488


If you or someone you support needs help connecting to behavioral health services, please reach out. We’re here to help.


Important Text Messaging Reminder

Important Reminder: Text Messaging Is Not a Valid Communication Method for Billed Member Services


This is a reminder that, in accordance with OAR 410-120-1990(1)(a), text messaging is not considered a valid form of communication for reimbursable services.


Per Oregon Administrative Rule:

“Asynchronous” communication technologies may include audio and video, audio without video, client/member portal, and remote monitoring.

“Asynchronous” does not include voice messages, facsimile, electronic mail, or text messages.


Use of non-compliant communication methods like text messaging may result in denied claims, audit findings, or repayment requests.


For questions or further clarification, please refer to OAR 410-120-1990 or contact the GOBHI compliance team at compliance@gobhi.org


Additional Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative (OABHI) Trainings

For individuals in behavioral health working or interested in working with older adults, there are upcoming training sessions. GOBHI’s OABHI team provides a variety of workforce training and community education. Look at https://www.gobhi.org/oabhi/training for a list of trainings.


Community Education:


Contact the GOBHI OABHI team at oabhi@gobhi.org with questions.

2026 Lunch and Learn Training Opportunities


🍽️ Learn Something New Over Lunch! Join us for GOBHI’s 2026 Lunch & Learn Series — bite-sized trainings offering 1 free CEU each month!


🗓️ Every 3rd Thursday | 12–1 PM PT Tune in (camera optional!) while you eat, earn a CEU, and connect with peers as GOBHI experts dive into timely, relevant topics for your work.

Check out upcoming sessions and register at the links below!



Program update - Foster Care

Help Change a Life — Become a Foster Care Champion!


Eastern Oregon is in urgent need of foster homes for youth — and you can make a difference.

GOBHI’s Therapeutic Foster Care program supports youth involved with Oregon DHS Child Welfare by placing them with caring, trained foster families. We offer both full-time and part-time options, and provide all the support foster parents need to succeed.


Even if you’re not ready to foster, you can still help! 

✨ Share the word 

✨ Refer someone who might be a great fit 

✨ Promote the power of foster care in your community


Together, we can build a stronger network of supportive homes for Oregon’s youth.

Learn more about referral incentives and how you can help here. 📩 Or reach out to our Foster Care Team today!


Program update - Triple P Parenting

Bring Proven Parenting Support to Your Community! Looking to offer a powerful, evidence-based parenting program? GOBHI’s Triple P – Positive Parenting Program offers flexible options to meet your community’s unique needs.


Classes are available in English and Spanish for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–18, led by trained and compassionate practitioners.


Interested in partnering? Reach out to Chelsea Maranville to explore contracting options and get started: 📞 541-314-3189 | 📧 cmaranville@gobhi.org



Helpful Links

Read official messages from GOBHI leadership and hear about important training opportunities including the ABA Lunch and Learn. 



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