Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles County transitioned to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on July 1, 2026, replacing the Mental Health Services Act.
- Proposition 1, approved by voters in March 2024, authorized $6.3 billion in bonds for treatment facilities and housing.
- Funding is split: 35% for Full-Service Partnerships, 35% for services and supports, and 30% for housing interventions.
- No clients will lose services during the phased implementation, officials said.
Introduction
Los Angeles County officially transitioned Wednesday to California's Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), a voter-approved overhaul of the state's behavioral health funding system. The change expands services for people with serious mental health and substance use disorders, aiming to create a more integrated, community-based system.
What Proposition 1 Does
The transition implements Proposition 1, approved by California voters in March 2024, which replaced the Mental Health Services Act with the Behavioral Health Services Act, according to county officials. The measure restructured existing mental health funding, expanded support for substance use disorder treatment, and authorized $6.3 billion in bonds for behavioral health treatment facilities and housing.
Funding Allocation
Under the new funding structure, 35% of funding will support Full-Service Partnerships for people with the most significant behavioral health needs. Another 35% will fund behavioral health services and supports, including early intervention and outpatient care. The remaining 30% will be dedicated to housing interventions for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Seamless Transition for Consumers
“Many of BHSA’s changes are administrative, which means consumers will experience a seamless transition to this new age of mental health care in Los Angeles County,” Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong said in a statement. “Through BHSA, the state’s new funding mechanisms allow us to expand specialized services, invest in innovative programs and broaden our reach to better provide hope, recovery and wellbeing for all.”
Stakeholder Collaboration
Officials said the transition was developed through planning sessions involving more than 220 stakeholder organizations. They emphasized that no clients will lose services during the phased implementation and that the changes are intended to create a more integrated, community-based behavioral health system while maintaining continuity of care.
Local California Context
Los Angeles County is the most populous county in California, with over 10 million residents facing significant mental health and homelessness challenges. The BHSA aims to address these issues by prioritizing funding for intensive treatment, housing assistance, and collaboration between the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau.
Conclusion
The Behavioral Health Services Act represents a major shift in how California funds and delivers mental health and substance use disorder services. For Los Angeles County residents, the transition promises expanded access to care and a stronger focus on community-based solutions. Residents seeking services should contact the LA County Department of Mental Health for more information.