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California Proposition 1 on the March 24th ballot in California includes a significant update to the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and changes its name to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). The proposition also includes billions in new bond financing to expand bed capacity for SUD and MH treatment and housing. Moreover, there are earmarks on a portion of this funding for veterans.

The new funding is designed to revolutionize mental health (MH) service delivery. Furthermore, the inclusion of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services is a major update as well. For the first time in decades, such an increase in state funding of MH and SUD services will expand treatment access and behavioral healthcare (BH) options. “Treatment, Not Tents” is the core messaging of the new proposition.

As a nonprofit organization that provides integrated behavioral healthcare services, Tarzana Treatment Centers supports the increase in funding. Without question, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the combination of worsening mental health and a sharp rise in drug overdoses has been devastating. Thus, focusing on ending this crisis by expanding treatment options makes sense. Indeed, people across the state will receive help and resources.

California Proposition 1 Increases BH Funding

As the website of Governor Newsome details, “The $6.38 billion bond will provide funding to build more than 11,150 new behavioral health beds and housing and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots – capacity that will touch many tens of thousands of people’s lives every year – filling critical needs across the state for homeless Californians with severe behavioral health issues, to kids suffering from depression, and everyone in between.”

Without question, the critical needs across the state are an ever-present reality. As a provider of both mental health and SUD treatment services, TTC knows that co-occurring disorders are more common today than ever before. Indeed, many patients entering SUD treatment also need MH support. Given this state of health, expanding access to treatment beds and outpatient services is the right approach.

California Proposition 1 Also Updates MHSA

Passed by California voters in 2004, the MHSA was funded by a one percent income tax on personal income of more than $1 million per year. For such a slight increase, the number of people helped is astonishing. Through MHSA, the state’s behavioral health system can better serve individuals with and at risk of serious mental health issues and their families. Indeed, MHSA allowed many people to receive MH support they had never had access to. With the recent decline, however, more support is needed.

Governor Newsome explains, “These reforms, and this new investment in behavioral health housing, will help California make good on promises made decades ago. We see the signs of our broken system every day – too many Californians suffering from mental health needs or substance use disorders and unable to get the support or care they need. This will prioritize getting people off the streets, out of tents, and into treatment.”

Behavioral Healthcare and Proposition 1

On the front lines of such treatment services, TTC agrees that additional funding is beneficial. Hence, a significant change is an expansion in access to services. When people in need reach out, the availability of such BH services is critical.

Although California Proposition 1 includes a significant reshuffling of services, the goal is on target. Improving the BH system is critical to ensuring access to these services for all Californians. Indeed, such services should be universal, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or county of residence.

However, if you or a loved one is experiencing a BH issue today, please do not hesitate. Such matters often are life-threatening, and immediate help is necessary. TTC has affordable inpatient beds and outpatient treatment slots available today. Please contact us today to learn more and access help for yourself or a loved one.