The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA/Proposition 63) provides both a vision and an opportunity with potential resources to transform California's mental health system.  The Act provides a specific list of purposes and intent; defines serious mental illness, including prevention and early intervention, as a priority and prioritizes reducing the long-term impact resulting from untreated serious mental illness.  The act also provides for successful, innovative services, including culturally and linguistically competent approaches for underserved populations.

The goal of bringing about change in California's large and diverse publicly funded mental health system is a monumental task.  It will require a consensus-based articulation of values and a long-term planning and implementation process that is inclusive of all stakeholders, measured by incremental markers of success and guided by values as well as data. Maintaining the vision and mission, monitoring of process and outcomes, flexibility, and the ability to change strategies when necessary will all be key factors in the initiative's impact and success.

CiMH is working closely with DMH, counties and cities, and stakeholder organizations to develop training and technical assistance to assist in making this transformation.  The CiMH - MHSA webpage will provide information on current training as well as links to resources to assist in this change process.  There is an inventory of consultants and trainers and a list of the MHSA County Planning Coordinators.

MHSA Consultation for Small Counties - for more information, contact Vicki Smith, Director of Adult Services at CiMH, via email at .