Requires DHS to establish two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program.

S 165 establishes a two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program to improve care coordination for individuals with severe mental health or substance use disorders. The bill requires New Jersey’s Department of Human Services to partner with managed care organizations to identify eligible patients through Medicaid data and connect them with community behavioral health providers. Key mechanisms include standardized needs assessments, "rapid referrals" to appropriate care within 48 hours, "warm hand-offs" between providers, and "supportive contacts" (like texts or calls) to help patients stay engaged in treatment. The program aims to create region-specific coordinated care systems across northern, central, and southern New Jersey, with participating providers using these tools to reduce gaps in behavioral health services.