Mental Health Services Act

What is MHSA?

MHSA.pngIn November of 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63 creating the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The Act created an additional one percent tax on any California resident making more than 1 million dollars. The revenue is distributed to counties to accomplish an enhanced system of care for mental health services.

The passing of Proposition 63 provided the first opportunity in many years to expand county mental health programs for all populations: children, transition-age youth, adults, older adults, families, and especially, the unserved and under-served. It was also designed to provide a wide range of prevention, early intervention, and treatment services, including the necessary infrastructure, technology, and enhancement of the mental health workforce to effectively support the system.

MHSA Draft 2023-2026 Plan and 21/22 and 22/23 annual updates are here with public comments.

Comments, questions, or to receive copies of these documents when they are released, please e-mail the MHSA coordinator at MHSA@pcbh.services; OR, you may click the link below to access the online draft version.

NEW - MHSA Draft 2023-2026 3-Year Plan

Please contact Kristy Pierson at 530-283-6307 ext. 7011200 with any questions or, via kpierson@pcbh.services.

What Does MHSA Do?

MHSA is made up of five program and funding components: MHSA 101 Slideshow

  • Community Services and Supports (CSS)- Community Services and Supports (CSS) comprises the largest portion of MHSA funding and is for service expansion and system improvements. CSS services are based on a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to mental health programs. The system improvements focus on bringing services to those who are un- or under-served. Services are guided by a "Whatever It Takes" philosophy, to assist individuals in meeting their recovery and wellness goals.
  • Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI)- Prevention and Early Intervention programs intend to engage individuals before the development of serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbances, or in the case of early intervention, to alleviate the need for additional mental health treatment and/or transition to extended mental health treatment.
    PEI builds capacity for providing early intervention services at sites where people go for other routine activities. Mental health becomes part of wellness for individuals and the community, reducing the potential for stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness.
  • Innovation (INN)- Innovation (INN) projects are novel, creative, and/or ingenious mental health practices/approaches that contribute to learning, and that are developed within communities through a process that is inclusive and representative, especially of unserved, under-served, and inappropriately served individuals. Funds for INN may be used for increasing access to underserved groups, increasing the quality of services including better outcomes, promoting interagency collaboration, and increasing access to services. These guidelines provide direction while maintaining the spirit of flexibility intended by the MHSA for this component.
  • Capital Facilities and Technological Needs (CFTN)-Capital Facilities and Technology Needs (CF/TN) addresses the development of a variety of community mental health facility improvements and technology projects and strategies that support integrated service experiences that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and increase access to services. 
  • Workforce, Education, and Training (WET)- The purpose of Workforce Education and Training (WET) programs is to create a public mental health workforce that includes clients and family members; is sufficient in size; has the diversity, skills, and resources to deliver compassionate, safe, timely and effective mental health services to all individuals in need; and, contribute to increased prevention, wellness, recovery, and resiliency. The intent is to provide programs to address identified shortages in occupations, skill sets, and individuals with unique cultural and linguistic competence in public mental health programs. 

Learn More about What Plumas County is Doing

We’re excited to see the many ways that the Mental Health Services Act is making a difference in our community. Find important documents below:

View All Important Documents

MHSA Data Reports

Legal Notices and Regulations

For More Information:
Kristy Pierson 530-283-6307 ext. 7011200
Plumas County Behavioral Health
270 County Hospital Road Suite 109
Quincy, CA 95971
Email Kristie Person