Behavioral Health Services and Supports (BHSS)
In California's Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), BHSS (Behavioral Health Services and Supports) is a major funding category (35% of county funds) for flexible, integrated services like early intervention, outreach, workforce training, and pilot projects, building on the old MHSA's prevention/early intervention and community services. It aims to strengthen county systems, focusing heavily on Early Intervention (EI) for youth and expanding comprehensive care for all ages, integrating mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
BHSS Funding Categories
Early Intervention Programs
Counties must fund a minimum of 51% of the BHSS allocation on Early Intervention. Early Intervention is a proactive approach that identifies and addresses emerging behavioral health concerns early, including at-risk individuals, to prevent escalation into severe or chronic conditions and reduce disparities.
It provides short-term, evidence-based services for those showing early signs of mental health or substance use challenges or exposed to known risk factors.
Children's, Adult, & Older Adult Systems of Care
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds to provide Children's, Adult, and Older Adult Systems of Care services, including substance use disorder services, to BHSA eligible and priority populations. System of care services are those pursuant to Part 4 for the Children's System of Care and Part 3 for the Adult and Older Adult System of Care.
Outreach & Engagement
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Outreach and Engagement (O&E). BHSS funds may be used for activities intended to reach, identify, and engage individuals, families, and communities in the behavioral health system and reduce disparities.
Workforce Education & Training
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Workforce Education and Training (WET). County-operated and/or county-contracted providers that are employed or volunteer in the county behavioral health delivery system may participate in WET activities. Counties should incorporate efforts to increase the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the behavioral health workforce, including incorporating individuals with lived experience into the workforce, across all WET activities.
Capital Facilities & Technological Needs
Counties may use a portion of BHSS funds for Capital Facilities and Technological Needs (CFTN). BHSS CFTN projects include the acquisition and development of land, the construction or renovation of buildings, or the development, maintenance, or improvement of information technology to support behavioral health administration and services.
Innovative Behavioral Health Pilots & Projects
The goal of innovative behavioral health pilots and projects is to build the evidence base for the effectiveness of new statewide strategies. Counties are encouraged to pilot and test innovative behavioral health pilots and projects in all BHSA funding components (Housing Interventions, FSP, and BHSS).
Early Intervention Priority Outcomes
County Early Intervention programs must emphasize the reduction of the likelihood of the following adverse outcomes for BHSA eligible individuals:
MHSA Innovation continues to fund its final project: Mindful Body and Recovery, an Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient program. Grandfathered in under MHSA, the current project will conclude June 30, 2029.