BHSA FAQ and Acronyms

BHSA FAQ and Acronyms

What is BHSA?

• In March 2024, California voters passed Proposition 1, a two-bill package, to modernize the state’s behavioral health care system. One component of this is the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), which updates the 2004 Mental Health Services Act. BHSA updates funding to support those with the greatest needs, expands the behavioral health workforce to better serve California’s diverse communities, and prioritizes outcomes, accountability, and equity.

When does BHSA take effect?

• New BHSA requirements will be fully implemented by July 1, 2026. However, planning and coordination to prepare for the shift to BHSA is ongoing, including the Community Planning Process to develop the BHSA Three-Year Integrated Plan which officially began in January 2025.

What changes will be implemented?

• Updates allocations for local services and state-directed funding categories.
• Broadens the target population to include individuals with substance use disorder.
• Focuses on the most vulnerable and at-risk groups, including children and youth.
• Advances community-defined practices (community-based practices that have reached a strong level of support within specific communities) as a key strategy for reducing health disparities and increasing community representation.
• Revises county processes and improves transparency and accountability.

What types of activities will be conducted as stakeholder engagement?

Stakeholder engagement involves gathering input from providers, local partners, and residents with unique perspectives across Imperial County through various engagement activities such as listening sessions, focus groups, key informant interviews, workgroups and committees, community trainings, education and outreach, and more.

What focus areas will stakeholders be involved in?

• BHSA requires counties to involve stakeholders in discussions around mental health and substance use disorder policy, program planning and implementation, monitoring, workforce, quality improvement, health equity, evaluation, and budget allocation.
• In addition, based on learning from previous engagement efforts, Behavioral Health Services is expanding opportunities to discuss specific topics including accessibility, care coordination and navigation, community outreach and education, crisis response services, culturally appropriate and affirming care, support for people experiencing homelessness, services for youth and transition age youth, and workforce capacity and diversity.

Will the Public Comment Period change?

• No. Under BHSA, counties are still required to provide a 30-day minimum public comment period for their Integrated Plans or Annual Updates. Counties will also continue to conduct Public Hearings on the draft of Integrated Plans or Annual Updates at the close of 30-day public comment periods.