The Behavioral Health Services Act
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) passed as Proposition 1 by the California voters on March 5, 2024. BHSA includes two components: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (AB 531) and the Behavioral Health Services Act (SB 326). BHSA signifies a philosophical shift from prevention, intervention, and treatment across the mental health spectrum to focus on the most severely mental ill individuals. It allows for the inclusion of eligible programs for those with substance use conditions and places significant importance on housing and homelessness. There is a statewide commitment to increased accountability and transparency in how BHSA funds will be reported.
What BHSA Funds
The Mental Health Services Act funding components will change under the Behavioral Health Services Act.
Mental Health Services Act
Behavioral Health Services Act
Proposition 1: System Change
BHSA Funding Breakdown
Total BHSA revenue is distributed between county and state-wide allocations.
Proposition 1: Things We Know
30% Housing:
- Interventions to include rental subsidies, operating subsidies, shared housing, family housing for eligible children and youth, and the non-federal share of certain transitional rent.
- Half of this amount (50%) is prioritized for housing interventions for the chronically homeless.
- Up to 25% may be used for capital development.
35% Full-Service Partnerships:
- Comprehensive and intensive care for people at any age with the most complex needs (also known as the “whatever it takes” model).
35% Behavioral Health Services and Supports (BHSS):
- Includes early intervention; outreach and engagement; workforce; education and training; capital facilities and technological needs; and innovative pilots and projects.
- A majority (51%) of this amount must be used for intervention in the early signs of mental illness or SUDs.
- A majority (51%) of early intervention services and supports must be for people 25 years of age and younger.
Behavioral Health Transformation: Implementation Timeline
Proposition 1 key milestones to implement the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) (SB 326) and Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (AB 531).
View the Behavioral Health Services Act Informational Webinar
We look forward to hearing from the public and collaborating to make the Behavioral Health Services Act transition seamless and inclusive as possible. If you have any questions, you can email bhsa@acgov.org
Click here for frequently asked questions.
Local Information:
- Early Intervention Information Session
- SMHS Medi-Cal Decision-Making Tool
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Response module 1
Information Notices:
State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – Behavioral Health Transformation Stakeholder Engagement:
Please see the following Webinar Recordings and PowerPoint Slides to learn more about upcoming changes to Behavioral Health services.
February Public Listening Session | February 10, 2025 | Webinar
Population Behavioral Health Measures
November Public Listening Session | November 04, 2024 | Webinar
Behavioral Health Services and Support
October Public Listening Session | October 30, 2024 | Webinar
Full Service Partnership
September Public Listening Session | September 12, 2024 | Webinar
Housing Interventions
July Public Listening Session | July 30, 2024 | Webinar
Behavioral Health Services Act and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services
May Public Listening Session | May 30, 2024 | Webinar
County Integrated Plan for Behavioral Health Services and Outcomes
April Public Listening Session | April 19, 2024 | Webinar
Behavioral Health Bond Act of 2024 BHCIP Round 1 and 2
For additional resources, please check:
- Transitions website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/BHT/Pages/home.aspx
- New State website: Mental Health for All: https://mentalhealth.ca.gov/
- Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) and Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (BHIBA):
https://www.counties.org/proposition-1
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