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Mental Health Services Act

18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

Behavioral Health Transformation in Ventura County

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In March 2024, the voters of California approved Proposition 1, which will transform behavioral health statewide. This proposition was created as an answer to the homelessness and serious mental health and substance use issues that very often walk hand-in-hand and have presented ongoing challenges to communities across the state and nation.  

170,000 Californians are unhoused and, of these, about two thirds have a behavioral health issue, while only 19% have received treatment. Proposition 1 seeks to dramatically change these statistics.

Proposition 1 included a bond to build supportive housing and 10,000 treatment beds across the state and reallocates existing mental health funding streams to support people with the most significant behavioral health needs.

MHSA Overview

In November 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The MHSA provides for a 1% tax on taxable personal income over $1 million. MHSA tax revenues will be distributed to California counties through a contract with the California Department of Health Care Services (DCHS).

MHSA is focused on transforming the mental health care system by improving quality of life for individuals living with mental illness and those at risk of developing mental illness. MHSA provides funding for outreach, prevention and early intervention, improved access to services, support services, family involvement and treatment for unserved and underserved communities. While providing services in these areas, MHSA adheres to five principles:

  • Cultural Competence – Services reflect the values, customs, beliefs, and languages of the populations served and eliminate disparities in service access.
  • Community Collaboration - Services strengthen partnerships with diverse sectors to help create opportunities for employment, housing, and education.
  • Client, Consumer, and Family Involvement - Services engage clients, consumers, and families in all aspects of the mental health system, including planning, policy development, service delivery and evaluation.
  • Integrated Service Delivery - Services reinforce coordinated agency efforts to create a seamless experience for clients, consumers and families.
  • Wellness and Recovery – Services promote recovery and resiliency by allowing clients and consumers to participate in defining their own goals, so they can live fulfilling and productive lives.

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Stay on top of proposed legislative changes with MHSA and feedback opportunities. Get on our listserv.

  • Please email MHSA@ventura.org for MHSA specific events and notices.
  • Please email bhabadmin@ventura.org to request to be added to our listserv to receive departmentwide information and updates.
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MHSA Program Components

MHSA consists of five components, each of which addresses specific goals for priority populations, key community health needs, and age groups that require special attention. The programs developed under these components draw on the expertise and experience of behavioral health and primary care providers, community-based organizations, education systems, law enforcement, local government departments and agencies, families, and consumers.

The five components are:

  • Community Services and Supports
  • Innovation
  • Prevention and Early Intervention
  • Workforce Education and Training
  • Capital Facilities and Technology Needs
Related Pages
Innovation Projects
Legal
Media Toolkit
California Mental Health Services Act
Related Resources
More Resources
Promoting Mental Health
in Ventura County

For a crisis, call 911 or the VCBH Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243. Please note that information on WellnessEveryday.org should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a
healthcare professional before acting on any information found on WellnessEveryday.org.

Ventura County Behavioral Health treatment clinics and programs are licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. Learn more at www.VCBH.org.
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