California's voters passed Proposition 63 (Mental Health Services Act - MHSA) in the November 2004 General Election. Proposition 63 promised to greatly improve the delivery of mental health services and treatment across the State of California.
The MHSA represents a comprehensive approach to the development of community based mental health services and supports for the residents of California. The Mental Health Services Act addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and service needs and the necessary infrastructure, technology and training elements that will effectively support this system. To provide an orderly implementation of MHSA, the California Department of Mental Health planned for sequential phases of development for each of the components.
The first component to be implemented will be those elements of the Mental Health Services Act that define the requirements of service delivery to children, youth, adults and older adults with serious emotional disturbances and/or severe mental illnesses.
County proposals were evaluated for their contribution to meeting specific outcomes for the individuals served including:
- Meaningful use of time and capabilities
- Safe housing
- A network of supportive relationships
- Access to help in a crisis
- Reduction in incarceration
- Reduction in involuntary services
The MHSA requires that each county mental health program shall prepare and submit a three-year plan which shall be updated at least annually and approved by the California Department of Mental Health after review and comment by the Oversight and Accountability Commission. The Mental Health Services Act further requires that the department shall establish requirements for the content of the plans.
The MHSA will generate new mental health resources through a 1% income surcharge on individuals with incomes of over $1 million. It is expected to generate approximately more than $700 million annually, which will be distributed to local county mental health programs based on each county’s expenditure plans, service capacity, unmet need, and the amount of available funding.
1-800-854-7771. Do you or a loved one need help? If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact us toll-free 24 hours 7 days a week.