Welcome to the

California Mental Health Services Authority

An idea whose time has come!

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is an Independent Administrative and Fiscal Governments Agency focused on the efficient delivery of California Mental Health Projects. Member counties jointly develop, fund, and implement mental health services, projects, and educational programs at the state, regional, and local levels.

CalMHSA is not a legislative agency, nor are we an approval or advocacy body. We are a best practice inter-governmental structure with growing capacity and capability to promote systems and services arising from a shared member commitment to community mental health. CalMHSA supports the values of the California Mental Health Services Act:

  • Community collaboration
  • Cultural competence
  • Client/family-driven mental health system for children, transition age youth, adults,
    older adults
  • Family-driven system of care for children and youth
  • Wellness focus, including recovery and resilience
  • Integrated mental health system service experiences and interactions

Headed by a Separate Board of Members, an Executive Committee comprised of Officers and Statewide Region Representatives, the administrative firm of George Hills Company, Inc. , and separate legal counsel of Murphy, Campbell, Guthrie & Alliston, CalMHSA operates within the statues governing Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) entities, and complies with the Brown Act open meeting requirements.

CalMHSA’s Mission
The mission of CalMHSA is to provide member counties a flexible, efficient, and effective administrative/fiscal structure focused on collaborative partnerships and pooling efforts in:

  • Development and implementation of common strategies and programs
  • Fiscal integrity, protections, and management of collective risk
  • Accountability at state, regional, and local levels

Partner Agreement

How to Join

Become a CalMHSA Member
Here’s How — Join Now.

To subscribe to the CalMHSA distribution list, please send an email request to calmhsa@georgehills.com


PEI Statewide Projects

CalMHSA is developing and implementing Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) programs, on a statewide or regional basis that conform with the "Guidelines for Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Statewide Programs" issued by MHSOAC and the three State Strategic Plans referenced therein. The focus of these three programs individually are: suicide prevention, expanding resources for student mental health, and reducing stigma and discrimination related to mental illness.
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