State law requires that each county have a Mental Health Board or Commission. Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for three-year terms. Those terms may be extended. Commissioners advise the Board of Supervisors and the Director of Mental Health on various aspects of local mental health programs.

• The role of the commission is established in the Welfare and Institutions Code, under 5604.2.
• Review and evaluate the community’s mental health needs, services, facilities, and special programs.
• Review any county agreements entered into pursuant to Section 5650 W.I.C.
• Advise the Board of Supervisors and the local mental health director regarding any aspects of the local mental health programs.
• Review and approve the procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process.
• Submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the county’s mental health system.
• Review and make recommendations on applicants for the appointment of the local director of mental health services. The Commission shall be included in the selection process prior to the vote of the governing body.
• Review and comment on the county’s performance outcome data and communicate its findings to the State Mental Health Planning Council.
• Assess the impact of the realignment of services from the state to the county on services delivered to clients and on the local community.