FAQ
- What is the Mental Health Services Act?
- How do I contact the MHSOAC?
- Where can I find information for Commission and committee meetings?
- Who are the members of the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission?
- What types of event requests can be submitted to be on the MHSOAC Community Calendar?
- MHSOAC welcomes meetings, seminars, and conferences related to the mental health field from stakeholder organizations and individuals. Please try to submit all posting requests at least 2 weeks prior to your event.
- Please remember to also list your contact information so MHSOAC staff can contact you if they need more information.
- How do I sign up to receive announcements and updates from the MHSOAC?
- You can also send an email to MHSOAC@mhsoac.ca.gov with the word “Subscribe” in the subject line. Please include your name and organization in the body of the email.
- What is the process for making public comments?
- Submit your comments in writing to our business office.
- Send your comments via email to MHSOAC@mhsoac.ca.gov.
- Make public comments at Commission meetings by filling out public comment cards available at our staff table.
- How do I find services in my county?
- How do I get involved with the MHSA?
- Statewide - Visit our Resources section for information on statewide stakeholder organizations.
- County Level - Each county is assigned a MHSA county coordinator. Visit the following link for a list of MHSA County Coordinators.
- How do I submit a California Public Records Act request?
- What are 3-year plans?
- What is Triage?
- How do I receive updates from the MHSOAC with information that is relevant to counties?
MHSA stands for the Mental Health Services Act and refers to Proposition 63 which was passed in November 2004 and became state law on January 1, 2005. The Act is funded by a 1 percent tax on personal income above $1 million dollars.
You can contact us on the phone at 916-445-8696, email us at MHSOAC@mhsoac.ca.gov, or via postal mail in our Contact Us section of our website.
Details of Commission and committee meetings are found in our meetings and events page.
The Commission currently consists of 16 voting members appointed by the Governor and other elected officials. The Commission Composition and current Commissioner Biographies may be viewed in the About MHSOAC section of our website.
You may want to contact your local mental health department. You can find information on counties in our Resources section.
Requests may be made orally, via email, or in writing whether or not the request refers to the Public Records Act. However, to assist MHSOAC in responding to the request, it would be helpful for the requestor to refer to the Public Records Act. Please review the following document for the procedures for accessing public records at the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (click here for Procedure document).
Welfare and Institutions Code Section (WIC) § 5847 states that county mental health programs shall prepare and submit a 3-year Program and Expenditure Plan (Plan) and Annual Updates for Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) programs and expenditures.
Plans and Annual Updates must be adopted by the county Board of Supervisors and submitted to the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) within 30 days after Board of Supervisor adoption.
WIC § 5848 states the mental health board shall conduct a public hearing on the draft 3-year program and expenditure plan at the close of the 30-day comment period.
WIC § 5891 states that MHSA funds may only be used to pay for MHSA programs.
County personnel providing linkages and services to what may be the first mental health contact for someone in crisis. Crisis services are provided at shelters, jails, clinics and hospital emergency rooms to help link a person to appropriate services.
Please email mhsoac@mhsoac.ca.gov with "Subscribe to Counties" in the subject line. Include your name, county, and the email address you would like the updates sent to.