Sierra Pathways is proud to provide services that are accessible to youth and families through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Our goal is to reduce barriers to care and ensure that Transitional Age Youth (TAY) with substance use and mental health needs can access timely, high-quality treatment.
Accepted Coverage
Sierra Pathways currently offers services under Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) for eligible participants. At this time, our Medi-Cal services are provided through the following program:
Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program
This program serves Transitional Age Youth with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions who meet medical necessity criteria under Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS).
What Medi-Cal Covers at Sierra Pathways
Through Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS), eligible participants may receive:
Comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder assessments
Individual and group counseling services
Co-occurring disorder treatment addressing both substance use and mental health needs
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when clinically indicated, coordinated with qualified prescribing providers
Case management and care coordination
Relapse prevention and recovery support services
All services are delivered in accordance with Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) standards, evidence-based practices, and state and county requirements.
Eligibility and Medical Necessity
Eligibility for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) services is determined by:
Active Medi-Cal enrollment
Meeting medical necessity criteria for substance use disorder treatment
Appropriateness for an Intensive Outpatient level of care
Our admissions team works closely with participants, families, and referral sources to verify eligibility, complete required screenings, and ensure services are authorized prior to admission.
Co-Occurring Care for Transitional Age Youth
Sierra Pathways specializes in serving Transitional Age Youth (approximately ages 16–25). We recognize that young adults often experience overlapping substance use, mental health, and life-transition challenges. Our Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program is designed to address these needs in an integrated, developmentally informed manner.
Mental health symptoms are addressed within the scope of Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS), and coordination with external mental health providers may occur as needed to support continuity of care.
Questions About Coverage
If you have questions about Medi-Cal eligibility, Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) coverage, or whether our program is the right fit, our team is available to help.
We are committed to transparency, accessibility, and supporting young people in accessing the care they need.
