Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: August 7, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, FNIGP, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Isabelle Klier Graham, Manager, Mental Health and Homelessness Division
PHONE: 407-836-3187
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-1078, Integrated Behavioral Health Pilot
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-1078, Integrated Behavioral Health Pilot, with Pediatric Associates Holding Company, LLC, in the estimated contract award amount of $800,000 for a one-year term. Further request Board authorization for the Procurement Division to renew the contract for one additional one-year term. The performance period is October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homelessness Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will serve ongoing on-site pediatric mental health services to prevent and/or treat mental and behavioral health issues in a primary and pediatric care setting.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2501-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Mental Health and Homelessness Division concurs with this recommendation.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part I, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 – Application and exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
This contract will fund services to implement the Orange County Integrated Behavioral Health Program for up to 400 encounters annually. This evidence-based, outcomes-driven initiative utilizes the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model and the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (referred to as "MATCH") as the primary mental health intervention for children and youth requiring behavioral health and pediatric medical care services. No organization utilizes a combined model of PCBH and MATCH. Pediatric Associates is the sole provider that will work exclusively with The Baker Center for Children and Families, the sole purveyor, to implement MATCH in a pediatric setting and study the impact of the combined evidence-based models.
The Baker Center for Children and Families is the only training provider of MATCH and can oversee the implementation of the model within this unique setting. Integrated mental health services within a primary care setting are a significant recommendation of the Orange County Mental and Behavioral Health System of Care Community Analysis.
Model Definitions:
- The PCBH model of care aims to optimize access to behavioral health support within the primary care setting. In this model, behavioral health professionals collaborate with medical providers in real-time. The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) provides implementation support for this model. CFHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making integrated behavioral and physical health the standard of care nationwide.
- MATCH is an evidence-based treatment of childhood anxiety, depression, trauma, and conduct problems. The Baker Center for Children and Families provides implementation support for this model. The Baker Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the best possible mental health of children and families through the integration of research, intervention, training, and policy development.
Vendor/Agency History: Pediatric Associates, previously known as First Choice Pediatrics, began their collaboration with Orange County in September 2022, when it enrolled clinicians in the 18-month Learning Collaborative funded by the Mental Health and Homelessness Division. Following the training, Pediatric Associates ensured the certification of their clinicians and continued to participate in the County's funded professional development. They also took a proactive approach in expanding evidence-based practices, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and quality.
Program Goals: During this initiative, Pediatric Associates will:
- Create access to care by coordinating referrals between pediatricians and behavioral health consultants (BHCs). BHCs will utilize MATCH as their primary mental health treatment.
- Impact provider burnout by supporting the pediatric workforce with the addition of behavioral health consultants to direct, manage, and treat patients in need of mental health care.
- Reduce stigma by facilitating behavioral health services as part of routine pediatric sick or well-check visits.
Enrollment/Referral Criteria: The Integrated Behavioral Health pilot will serve children and youth from Orange County, aged birth to 21 years.
Referrals and how people learn about the services: The Mental Health and Homelessness Division will promote the program to community members, Orange County Public School staff, and Early Childhood Providers through community outreach events, monthly meetings with providers, and on their division website. The vendor will also promote the program during community outreach events and through their dedication program webpage.
Referral Limitations: None. Any Orange County family seeking pediatric medical and mental health care can access services by making an appointment with Pediatric Associates at any participating office. Referrals are made directly through the program's referral link.
Mayoral Initiatives: The integration of mental health services within primary care settings is a significant recommendation of the Orange County Mental and Behavioral Health System of Care Community Analysis and a priority for Orange County.