Definition: Vision defines CiMH aspirations – where we want to go in the future.

The vision of CiMH is that California will be the national leader in the provision of mental health services and support systems that successfully advance hope, wellness, resiliency, recovery and full community integration for all adults, children and families across their life spans.  In this future, mental health wellness, resiliency and recovery are fully understood by the general public; thus communities and mental health systems partner to promote and support opportunities for people at risk of mental health issues to achieve wellness and/or full recovery.  Proven practices, opportunities, and technologies are used to prevent and/or reduce the impacts of mental illness and addiction and to promote the health of individuals and families.

CiMH envisions a future in which consumer and family choice, clinician expertise and empirical and practice-based evidence drive services to assure quality care leading to positive outcomes. In this future, diverse approaches to scientific investigation are valued, including practice-based evidence and cultural accommodations or adaptations. CiMH provides leadership and support to mental health systems and their partners in creating positive outcomes for all ethnic, linguistic, cultural communities, and other un-served or underserved populations. This means that CiMH will work with counties, state, and national organizations, academic/research organizations and foundations to document, address, reduce or eliminate disparities. These efforts shall focus on the particular strengths of CiMH in translating (and bridging the gap between) research and implementation in local systems of care as well as supporting the development and study of effective practices.

CiMH envisions a future that eliminates the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health care.  Effective initiatives speak not only to the stigma and discrimination people with psychiatric disabilities experience, but also to the very particular needs and experiences of distinct populations, including ethnic, racial, rural, and cultural populations, as well as sexual orientation and gender identification.

CiMH’s vision is of a community-based mental health system that is continuously improving, where staff development is ongoing, where innovation is welcomed, and consumers and family members and their needs are central to all decisions.

See also: Purpose and Core Values