Mental Health Services Act/Behavioral Health Services Act
The Behavioral Health Services Act replaces the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) of 2004. It reforms behavioral health care funding to prioritize services for people with the most significant mental health needs, while adding the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), expanding housing interventions, and increasing the behavioral health workforce. It also enhances oversight, transparency, and accountability at the state and local levels. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Services Act creates pathways to ensure equitable access to care by advancing equity and reducing disparities for individuals with behavioral health needs.
The MHSA was passed by California voters in 2004 and funded by a one percent income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million per year. It was designed to expand and transform California’s behavioral health system to better serve individuals with, and at risk of, serious mental health issues, and their families. The MHSA addressed a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, and service needs and the necessary infrastructure, technology, and training elements that effectively support the public behavioral health system.
The two legislative bills that created the language in Proposition 1 are:
Helpful Links
- Link to DHCS MHSA/BHSA Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Pages/MH_Prop63.aspx
- Link to CDPH Behavioral Health Transformation: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPP/Pages/behavioral-health.aspx
- Link to HCAI Behavioral Health Transformation: https://hcai.ca.gov/workforce/initiatives/behavioral-health-transformation-proposition-1/
- Link to DHCS Behavioral Health Transformation: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/BHT/Pages/home.aspx
News / Blog
Events