Flyer+Zoom Link - April 15, 2025 MHSA Community Program Planning Meeting
Folleto de la Reunión + Enlace Zoom - 15 de abril Reunión de Planificación Comunitaria de MHSA 

About the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA)

The passage of Prop 63 in November 2004 created the Mental Health Services Act. The purpose of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is to expand and improve mental health services and transform the mental health system.

Santa Cruz County residents were requested to participate in the planning process. We developed a plan based on the needs of the community and the treatment methods known to be the most effective to achieve the best results based on the feedback from individuals, consumers of mental health services (and their family members), and all community stakeholders.

Three-Year Planning and Annual Updates
  • What is an annual update?
    MHSA regulations require counties to provide community stakeholders with an update to the MHSA 3 year plan on an annual basis.
  • What is a three-year planning and expenditure plan?
    This Three-Year Program & Expenditure Plan (The Plan) details the programs being administered, budget allocations, program updates and/or implementations, population/communities being served, and links to the most recent outcomes measurement reports.
  • You are an integral part of this process!
    A large part of the process is engaging community members by providing them with an update to the programs being funded in the three-year plan. The community planning process allows stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback from their unique perspective about the programs and services being funded through MHSA.

Three-Year Plan, Annual Update Draft, and Approved Plans & Updates

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Activities

Mental Health Advisory Board Meetings and Information

 

Innovations and MHSA Funded Programs

Innovation Projects

  • Innovation projects test new, creative methods to address the mental health needs of unserved and underserved populations by expanding or developing services and supports that produce successful outcomes. Innovation projects are time-limited and contribute to learning. Santa Cruz County is excited to try an innovative suite of crisis support services.
  • Crisis Now Multi-County Innovation Plan

MHSA-Funded Programs

Resources

Copies of the MHSA annual update are available to read in-person at:
1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. F, Watsonville, CA 95076

If you have questions or comments please email: mentalhealth.servicesact@santacruzcountyca.gov

  Dial 2-1-1 for free information about health services in your community. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call, text, or chat 988 for free, non-judgmental support with mental health, substance use, or if you just need to talk. Available 24/7.  www.988lifeline.org 
  Mental Health Pocket Guide: Local resources for community members who may be experiencing mental health crises or challenges.
 If you have a medical emergency or are in immediate danger to yourself or others,
call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.