What is Prop 1 and the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)?

California voters passed Proposition 1 to modernize and strengthen the state’s behavioral health system. As a result, the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) now allows funding to support individuals with substance use disorders, in addition to those with mental health conditions.

BHSA aims to improve California’s behavioral health system by:

  • Expanding access to care
  • Restructuring how funding is used
  • Increasing services and supports
  • Prioritizing individuals and communities with the greatest needs

The BHSA builds upon the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), first passed by voters in 2004. The MHSA—funded by a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million—has helped counties across California enhance local mental health programs and supports.

For Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division, this means new opportunities to provide a broader range of services and address the full spectrum of behavioral health needs. Under BHSA, funds can now also be used to expand substance use disorder services, improving care and access for residents throughout our community.

Three-Year Planning and Annual Updates
  • What is an annual update?
    MHSA rand BHSA egulations require counties to provide community partners with an update to the 3-year plan on an annual basis.
  • What is a three-year Integrated Plan (IP)?
    The BHSA 3-Year Integrated Plan (IP) details the programs being administered, budget allocations, program updates and/or implementations, population/communities being served, and links to the most recent outcomes measurement reports for all county-funded behavioral health services.
  • How does the BHSA plan differ from the MHSA plan?
    The BHSA IP includes all county-funded behavioral health programs and services, whereas previous MHSA plans only reported on MHSA-funded programs. Under BHSA, counties are now required to engage a broader range of community members and partners throughout the planning process.
  • You are an integral part of this process!
    A large part of the process is engaging community members by providing them with an update to the programs being funded in the three-year plan. The community planning process allows stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback from their unique perspective about the programs and services being funded through MHSA.

Three-Year Plan, Annual Update Draft, and Approved Plans & Updates

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Activities

 

Innovations and MHSA Funded Programs

Innovation Projects

  • Innovation projects test new, creative methods to address the mental health needs of unserved and underserved populations by expanding or developing services and supports that produce successful outcomes. Innovation projects are time-limited and contribute to learning. Santa Cruz County is excited to try an innovative suite of crisis support services.
  • Crisis Now Multi-County Innovation Plan

MHSA-Funded Programs

Resources

Copies of the MHSA annual update are available to read in-person at:
1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. F, Watsonville, CA 95076

If you have questions or comments please email: mentalhealth.servicesact@santacruzcountyca.gov

  Dial 2-1-1 for free information about health services in your community. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call, text, or chat 988 for free, non-judgmental support with mental health, substance use, or if you just need to talk. Available 24/7.  www.988lifeline.org 
  Mental Health Pocket Guide: Local resources for community members who may be experiencing mental health crises or challenges.
 If you have a medical emergency or are in immediate danger to yourself or others,
call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.