The California Institute for Mental Health (CiMH) was established in 1993 with a declared mission to "promote excellence in mental health services through training, technical assistance, research and policy development." It was the specific intent of the local mental health directors who founded CiMH that CiMH would work collaboratively with all mental health system stakeholders. The commitment to collaboration has led the board to reorganize itself, expanding board membership to consumers, family members, and other interested persons representing the public interest.

Consumers, families, providers and policymakers must work in partnership to assure that services enhance each individual's integrity and dignity. Healthy communities are measured by the extent to which persons with psychiatric disabilities can lead meaningful lives free of stigma and discrimination. Mental health systems must be culturally and linguistically competent in order to be effective. All people, regardless of resources, must have access to necessary mental health services. Mental health systems must be organizations in which people are valued and safe, eager to work and which funders are proud to support. Excellence in mental health services is grounded in capacity building and support to local systems and their partners. Collaboration of the mental health system with the community and with other human services is essential to the resilience, recovery and wellness of adults and children with mental illness and emotional disturbance. Mental Health systems must be accountable and cost effective and must achieve positive outcomes.