Behavioral Health Services Act: A New Chapter for Sacramento County and California

Strategic Insights -

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has been a cornerstone of behavioral health programs in California for two decades, providing funding through a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million. However, in 2024, California voters passed Proposition 1, replacing MHSA with the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), bringing significant changes to the planning, delivery, and funding of behavioral health services. This new act aims to create a more connected and effective system of care by streamlining services, reducing duplication, and investing in housing interventions. Sacramento County Department of Health Services (DHS) is now working to implement these changes, including the creation of a single Integrated Plan, intentional investment in housing interventions, and clear tracking of outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) has replaced the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) in California, bringing structural changes to the planning, delivery, and funding of behavioral health services.
  • The BHSA does not increase funding but reorganizes how funds are allocated and prioritized, with at least 30% of funding dedicated to housing interventions for individuals with behavioral health needs.
  • The Sacramento County Department of Health Services (DHS) is launching a two-phase Community Planning Process to inform the development of the Integrated Plan, involving residents in shaping the new system of care.
  • The Integrated Plan will bring all funding sources under one coordinated strategy, streamlining services, reducing duplication, and building a more connected system of care.
  • Clear goals and tracking of outcomes will ensure that BHSA funding is used thoughtfully and effectively, with regular reporting on progress.
  • The BHSA aims to direct resources to those with the most significant mental health and substance use challenges, ensuring that help reaches the people who need it most.

Statistics:

  • At least 30% of BHSA funding is dedicated to housing interventions for individuals with behavioral health needs.
  • The funding generated by the 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million will continue to support behavioral health services in California.
  • The two-phase Community Planning Process will take place from July to September 2025, engaging residents in shaping the new system of care.
  • The Integrated Plan will aim to streamline services, reduce duplication, and build a more connected system of care for individuals with behavioral health needs in Sacramento County.

Sources:

  • State of California, Sacramento County Department of Health Services (DHS) news release
  • California voters' passage of Proposition 1 in 2024
  • Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) of 2004
  • Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) of 2024