Where does this new Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) money come from?
A. In November 2004 California voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The Act levies an additional 1% tax on personal incomes in excess of $1 million. The MHSA is intended to “transform the public mental health system.” The goal of the Act is to create a state-of-the-art, culturally competent system that promotes wellness/recovery for adults and older adults with severe mental illness and resiliency for children with serious emotional disorders and their families. The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) seeks to build a system where access will be easier, services are more effective, out of-home and institutional care are reduced, and stigma toward those with severe mental illness or serious emotional disturbance no longer exists.
