Vision for Transformational Change

The Commission’s primary function is to oversee the implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

To that end, the Commission distributes grants, collects and shares spending and efficacy data on local programs, spreads best practices, conducts research into critical subject areas like criminal justice involvement of people with mental health needs, and engages experts to develop policy proposals and other pathbreaking solutions.

The Act charges the Commission with reviewing county spending of MHSA money for prevention and early intervention programs. The Commission also distributes money raised through the Act for local innovation projects that launch new approaches to administration and treatment, like drop-in youth centers.

Another of the Commission’s continuing endeavors is to develop ways to overcome the stigma that people living with mental health challenges often face.

At times, the Commission advises the Governor and Legislature on mental health policy. In addition, lawmakers have periodically given the Commission new responsibilities, including distributing grants to expand mental health services in schools, helping develop voluntary standards to support mental health in the workplace, and helping to build a statewide suicide prevention plan.