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Behavioral Health Services Act

Overview

Prop. 1 – Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Transition

A Transformation Journey
Prop. 1 brought together a vision for behavioral health transformation across the state and has served as a catalyst for San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) to kick off an exciting new journey, a strategic vision aimed at reshaping the way care is provided across behavioral health.

With the changing behavioral health landscape driven by many new state laws and local needs,  BHRS wants to ensure that local priorities continue including our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, equity and trauma-informed work, collaboration and serving the most vulnerable individuals living with substance use and mental health challenges. Read more about this transformational journey here: BHRS Director’s Newsletter

    What Is Prop. 1?

    Prop. 1 – Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) was approved by voters in March 2024 to reform the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and includes new service and funding requirements for county behavioral health systems. Learn more here from the state Department of Health Care Services.

    Key priorities of BHSA:

    • A focus on the most vulnerable individuals living with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, at risk of homelessness, unhoused and/or justice involved.
    • Increasing access to permanent supportive housing and residential treatment settings.
    • Increasing access to substance use disorder treatment and co-occurring mental health and substance use capacity.
    • Creating transparency in fiscal expenditures and client outcomes across the behavioral health continuum of care. 

    BHSA Funding Shifts

    Counties are now required to consolidate all behavioral health funding streams into a single, transparent Three-Year Integrated Plan that reflects both state priorities and local community needs. BHSA funding, primarily generated through California’s millionaire’s tax, is strategically allocated to maximize impact and ensure resources are directed towards the key priorities. View the changes in funding allocation.

    How Do I Get Involved with Prop. 1 Planning?

      To ensure a smooth transition to BHSA by the July, 1 2026 implementation deadline, we are actively engaging in organizational and system changes and gathering input from clients, family members, staff and community partners.  Join us and provide input on the transition to BHSA!

      1. Join the BHSA Transition Taskforce for overall understanding.  See the flyer: English/Spanish/Chinese
      2. Join an Information Session deep dive on how Prop. 1 is impacting behavioral health services
      3. Join a Community Input Session to provide your input on strategies moving forward

      BHSA Transition Taskforce – Meeting Details

      April 3, June 5, August 7, October 2, 2025 (hybrid meetings)
      3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
      Redwood Shores Library, Meeting Rooms A/B
      399 Marine Pkwy, Redwood City
      Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83635203327
      Dial in: +1 669 900 6833 / Mtg ID: 836 3520 3327

      What Are the Local Impacts?

      BHRS is conducting a comprehensive review of Prop. 1 impacts to existing programs and contracted services.  Additionally, detailed implementation plans are being developed with key milestones – a progress dashboard will be shared here in the near future.   

      To learn more about the impact of Prop. 1 on specific topics, join a deep dive Prop. 1 Information Session, see the flyer for meeting details.  Various presentation materials are posted below.