​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. Additio​nally, 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. 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.

• Mental Health Services Act (Amended in 2020)
• County Performance Contract
• County MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plans and Updates
• MHSA County Performance Outcomes
• MHSA Legislative Historical Information​​
  
• ​​Program Policy​​​
  
• ​​County Program Reviews​​​
  
• ​​Fiscal Oversight​​​
  
• ​Publication Resources​​​​
  
• ​​Performance Dashboard​​​
  
• ​MHSA Data Reports​​​
  

Information Notices

• 23-043: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Annual Program Review​​​
  
• 23-021: ​Mental Health Services Act County Population 
• ​Enclosure​
• 22-052: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Allocation and Methodology for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23
• 22-044: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Annual Program Review
• 22-028: Mental Health Services Act County Population
• 22-001: Use of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Funds for Prevention and Early Intervention Programs
• 21-057: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Allocation and Methodology for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22
• 21-050: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) 2022 Annual Program Review
• 21-042: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Revenue and Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21
• 21-041: Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program Implementation
• 21-040: Extended MHSA-related COVID-19 Flexibilities
• 21-022E: Mental Health Services Act County Population
• 20-075: Implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 1976: Mental Health Services: Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)
• 20-057: Use of MHSA Funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment
  
• 20-056: Peer Support Services - Funding Sources
• 20-040: MHSA-related Flexibilities during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Forms​

• DHCS 5510 MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan or Update Extension FY 2021-22
• DHCS Form 5259: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Assessment Reporting Form
  
• DHCS Form 5290: Mental Health Services Act Plan of Correction
  

Helpful Links​

• DHCS Issue Resolution Process
  
• Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) COVID-19 Response

Fact Sheets

• How can MHSA be used to support Homeless Individuals?
• How Can MHSA Be Used To Support Individuals In The Criminal Justice System?

DHCS is continuously and collaboratively working with state and federal officials to best serve the clients and the stakeholders by providing resources, timely clarifications, requesting waivers and issuing guidance to the counties. The DHCS Response page includes updated information and guidance in addressing and responding to COVID-19.