The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) represents a comprehensive approach to the development of community-based mental health services and supports for the residents of California. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and service needs and the necessary infrastructure, technology and training elements that will effectively support the local mental health system. To provide for an orderly implementation of MHSA, the State of California Department of Mental Health has planned for sequential phases of development for each of the five components. Ultimately, all five components will be integrated into the counties’ Three-Year Program and Expenditures Plans with a continuum from prevention and early intervention to comprehensive, intensive interventions for those in need.

The five components (plans) are:

• Community Services and Supports


• Prevention and Early Intervention


• Workforce Education and Training


• Capital Facilities and Technology


• Innovative Programs