GOBHI Providers Behavioral Health Newsletter November 2025
- GOBHI
- Dec 4
- 5 min read
Housing Stability Funds 2025 Applications
Applications are now open for GOBHI’s 2025 Housing Stability funds.
As part of our comprehensive behavioral health plan, GOBHI has set aside funds to assist with the costs of housing-related projects, and specifically those projects resulting in increased housing availability for low-income, transitional, recovery, and/or workforce housing.
Application Deadlines
GOBHI will consider applications from organizations operating and headquartered within the twelve-county EOCCO service area according to the schedule below. Applications must be received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) in order to be considered for funding during each funding cycle. GOBHI will not consider incomplete applications.
Received by December 15, 2025 by 11:59PM (PST)
Funding
Maximum Award (per applicant, per quarter): $25,000.00
For more information, please visit our funding opportunities page.
If you have any questions about these funding opportunities, please contact Lindsay Gordon, Senior Project Manager, at lgordon@gobhi.org.
Network Update
Beginning January 1, 2026, members in Harney, Baker, and Malheur counties who are seeking a new episode of routine outpatient behavioral health services will be connected with an in-network provider.
Members who are already in treatment may continue care with their current provider through the completion of their existing episode of care. There is no disruption to active services. This update applies only to members beginning new routine outpatient treatment.
This approach supports continuity of care, strengthens local provider networks, and helps ensure long-term stability for the region. Patient choice remains important, and GOBHI Care Coordinators are available to assist any member in locating an in-network provider that meets their needs.
Recent changes in Medicaid funding require coordinated care organizations to take steps that support long-term sustainability. In areas where GOBHI has confirmed sufficient in-network capacity—currently Baker, Harney, and Malheur counties—we have adjusted our allowance of out-of-network providers. These updates help maintain service availability across the region while supporting Oregon’s efforts to stabilize the Medicaid system.
Shifts like this in-network requirement help keep costs manageable while maintaining access to high-quality, community-based care for all members.
GOBHI Memorandum
Subject: Updated effective Date for Associate-Level Billing Change
Effective January 1, 2026
We are providing an update to the memo previously distributed regarding billing practices for associate-level behavioral health counselors in our network.
The effective date for this change has been extended to January 1, 2026 to allow providers additional time to develop and implement transition plans for their clients.
As a reminder:
GOBHI will no longer reimburse for services provided by unlicensed registered associates unless they are employed by a group that holds a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
This update reflects our commitment to ensuring clinically appropriate, high-quality care and maintaining alignment with the expectations across the behavioral health system.
This change does not impact:
Licensed providers
Unlicensed providers working at agencies with a current OHA COA
If you are an unlicensed provider not affiliated with a COA-certified agency, we encourage you to begin planning for a transition of care. GOBHI care coordination team is available to support you and your clients in identifying appropriate in-network options.
If you have questions or need assistance navigating this transition, please contact our GOBHI Behavioral Health Navigator, Sean Ross, at (541) 209-6488 or appointments@gobhi.org.. If you have questions about an authorization you can also email um@gobhi.org. Thank you for your partnership and the work you do in supporting our members.
Sincerely,
Ann Ford
Chief Executive Officer
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:
Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSMP)
Grief and Caregiver Support Groups
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS)
Senior Planet (AARP Senior Technology Lectures and Workshops)
Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE)
Age, Memory and Death Cafes
Oregon Advance Directive
Getting to Know Dementia and other Dementia Caregiver Topics
Contact the GOBHI OABHI team at oabhi@gobhi.org with questions.
2025 Lunch and Learn Training Opportunities
🍽️ Learn Something New Over Lunch! Join us for GOBHI’s 2025 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!
December 19, 2025 Basics of Guardianship https://www.eventsquid.com/event/26945 |
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!
Website: gobhi.org/foster-care
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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