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San Mateo County MHSA (Prop 63)

Overview

Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63)

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The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Proposition 63 in 2004, provides increased funding, personnel and other resources to support County behavioral health programs and monitor progress toward statewide goals for children, transition-age youth, adults, older adults and families. MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and direct service needs and the necessary infrastructure, technology and training elements that will effectively support this system.

We are thrilled to have you as a visitor, and hope you will want to become involved in MHSA planning!

Latest News – MHSA Innovation!

New MHSA Innovation Funding Cycle

Share Your Ideas!  A new submission packet will be released on June 1st.  In the meantime, mark your calendars and register below to join our Info and Support Sessions to help you complete the submission packet and submit your ideas for funding.  

  • Innovation Flyers – English / Spanish / Chinese
  • Info Session (June 2nd, 3-4pm) – Register here
  • Online Research Tips (June 8th, 3-4pm) - Register here
  • Submission Support Sessions – view dates/times and register here

A workgroup of BHRS staff, community members and clients and family members convened between Feb-April to help develop an inclusive and supportive process for applying, submitting and selecting innovative ideas for funding. You can view the workgroup meeting materials under the MHSA Planning tab on this website.

Other Announcements

MHSA Annual Update

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Recovery Commission (MHSARC) voted to close the public comment period on Wed, April 6th for the FY 22-23 MHSA Annual Update and subsequently voted to submit the Annual Update to the Board of Supervisors for approval.  

How To Provide Public Comments:

  • Quick Tips – How to Give Public Comment at a public meeting
  • Online Form 
  • Download a form, fill it out and email to mhsa@smcgov.org 
  • Leave a phone message at (650) 573-2889

How to Get Involved – and stay informed!

About MHSA

MHSA planning, implementation and updates happen on a Fiscal Year (FY) calendar July 1 – June 30. Counties are required to submit Annual Updates and Three-Year Plans that are developed in collaboration with clients, family members of clients, community members and other stakeholders; this process is known as a Community Program Planning (CPP).   

Current Three-Year Implementation Phase: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Annual Updates Due: June 30th of each year
Next Three-Year Planning Phase Begins: September 2022
Next Three-Year MHSA Plan Due: June 30, 2023

MHSA Issue Resolution Process Policy

An Issue Resolution Process Policy has been adopted to resolve specific MHSA issues related to: 

  1. The Community Program Planning (CPP) process
  2. Consistency between approved MHSA plans and program implementation
  3. The provision of MHSA-funded programs and services

In San Mateo County, the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs (OCFA) manages service/treatment grievances for BHRS and therefore MHSA issues will be routed through the formal OCFA Grievance process. The MHSA Issue Resolution Process policy is focused on grievances related to the planning and implementation of MHSA specifically.

MHSA Components

Community Services & Supports (CSS)

CSS activities focus on providing direct services and treatment to people of all ages living with serious mental illness. At least 51% of CSS dollars have to be spent on full service partnerships, which provide 24/7 wraparound services for individuals living with serious mental health challenges.

Prevention & Early Intervention (PEI)

PEI activities target individuals of all ages prior to the onset of mental illness, with the exception of programs focusing on early onset of psychotic disorders. At least 51% of PEI dollars have to be spent on programs for children and youth ages 0-25.

Innovation (INN)

The MHSA INN component allows counties to apply for funds for innovative projects that are implemented for 3-5 years and evaluated to develop new best practices in behavioral health. Final reports for previous projects are available under the Evaluation tab above.

Three new Innovation projects were approved in 2020.  The full project proposals are linked below.

In 2018, San Mateo County joined a statewide Innovation project Help@Hand (formerly Tech Suite) to pilot behavioral health online apps as a complimentary support system to care.  Help@Hand Advisory Committees for both older adults and  youth meet monthly to guide the implementation, customization and evaluation of this project. 

Workforce Education & Training (WET)

WET programming includes training, education, programs and policies to assist in the engagement and selection of a diverse workforce that includes consumers, families, and community members and schools. Visit the BHRS WET website to learn more about the programs and services.

MHSA WET received one-time funding from MHSA through June 2018 for San Mateo County.  An independent contractor was hired to develop a 10-year impact report and a sustainability plan for WET.

Housing

The MHSA Housing Program was established to create permanent supportive housing for individuals living with serious mental health challenges who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Since 2006, the funding has led to 72 supportive housing units developed in San Mateo County. Visit our MHSA Housing page for more information and the most recent MHSA Housing Initiative.

Capital Facilities & Technology Needs (CFTN)

The CFTN component funded e-Clinical Care, an integrated business and clinical information system (electronic health record) as well as ongoing technical support. Currently, CFTN funds devices with data plans for clients to engage in telehealth and recovery services online. 

MHSA Planning 

Current Three-Year Implementation Phase: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Annual Updates Due: June 30th of each year
Next Three-Year Planning Phase Begins: September 2022
Next Three-Year MHSA Plan Due: June 30, 2023

A Community Program Planning (CPP) process involves clients of behavioral health services, families of clients and other community stakeholders in planning, implementation and evaluation activities of MHSA funded programs.

MHSA Workgroups

The MHSA Steering Committee hosts two workgroups per year.  Workgroup members provide input in planning new services and recommendations for improvements on prioritized topics.  

MHSA Three-Year Plan

During the development of the MHSA Three-Year Plan, stakeholder input is gathered at existing community meetings, at ad-hoc input sessions throughout the county, through surveys, and as formal public comment during a required 30-Day Public Comment and Public Hearing. Input for the MHSA Three-Year Plan is focused on:

  • Highlighting what’s working well
  • Identifying what needs improvement
  • Prioritizing identified needs for potential future funding.
  • Developing strategy ideas to address priority needs and serve as the basis for future funding of programs and services

The Fiscal Year 20/21 – 22/23 MHSA Three-Year Plan was developed in collaboration with over 400 clients and families, community members, staff, community agencies and stakeholders.  

Steering Committee

MHSA Steering Committee meetings are open to the public to provide input, make recommendations and stay up-to-date on new MHSA developments and ongoing programming.  Meetings  are scheduled on the first Thursday at 3pm in February, May, September and December.  One month prior to each meeting, details for each meeting will be posted under the “Announcement” tab above.  

MHSA Steering Committee Meeting Materials for the current Three-Year Plan: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Evaluation Reports

Full Service Partnerships (FSP)

Prevention & Early Intervention (PEI)

Innovation (INN)

Evaluation Reports for current MHSA Innovation projects: 

Workforce Education and Training (WET)

Three-Year Plans, Annual Updates and Expenditure Reports

MHSA Three-Year Plan & Annual Update

Annual Revenue and Expenditure Reports (ARER)