Our annual MHSA County Programs report is out! Click here to find services in your county!

NAMI California is pleased to present our 2018 Mental Health Services Act County Programs: Transforming Mental Health Delivery report.  Orange County Information on pages 120-134.

Nearly 14 years ago, Californians voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Californians recognized the need to increase funding for community-based mental health services in order to reduce homelessness, incarceration, and preventable hospitalization. Since then, the Act has brought in approximately $15 billion and has had an impact on all of us.

Recognizing that the MHSA cannot meet the tremendous need for mental health services in the state, the Legislature and Governor enacted Senate Bill 82, the “Investment in Mental Health Wellness Act” of 2013. SB 82 provides much needed additional funding for crisis support services and works in tandem with the MHSA programs. SB 82 programs are included in this report in order to give an even better overview of local services available.

This report provides a comprehensive directory of all MHSA and SB 82 funded programs currently operating in California’s counties. It is intended to be a tool for those seeking services, providing services, and involved in state and local decision making regarding mental health services and associated funding. We acknowledge that MHSA and SB 82 are not sole sources of funding for mental health throughout the state. However, it is our intention through this report to list programs and services being offered through these Acts.

Although California has made progress in expanding access to mental health care, we still lack a statewide standard of care for our mental health system. What services are available, and to whom, often depends on the county in which an individual resides. Further, counties have historically lacked guidance on appropriate performance indicators to assess MHSA program efficacy and impact,

data collection requirements and processes, and clarity on certain fiscal policies. The need for a standardized approach to care throughout the state is clear – zip code should not determine the type and quality of care received. A recent audit has brought new life to this conversation, and multiple bills in the legislature seek to address these omissions by providing guidance on statewide priorities, objectives, and metrics as well as clarity on data collection requirements and processes.

The programs listed herein represent the tremendous commitment of counties, family members, consumers, and providers. We are particularly appreciative of the County Behavioral Health Directors, who not only provide these services on a daily basis, but also provided the information that makes this report possible. We also recognize the work of policymakers who envisioned the MHSA and Investment in Mental Health Wellness Act of 2013, as well as local policymakers who ensured the successful implementation of these programs. And finally, this report is made possible through the generous support of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.

With gratitude,

Jessica Cruz, MPA/HS Chief Executive Officer NAMI California