Message from the Executive Director

Five Very Short, Long Years

Amie Miller, PsyD., Executive Director

I recently logged my fifth year at CalMHSA, an excellent reminder to pause for a moment and reflect on where we are. So much has happened in that span of time — in policy, in funding, and in individual lives — that these particular five years can seem both very long and very, very short. 

Within California’s public behavioral health system, CalMHSA has been honored to join you at moments of compliance, and of pushback, and of rolling up our sleeves to stay focused on our state’s most vulnerable people; at times, it seems we’re all moving at lightspeed, rocketing forward to keep doing whatever is needed to meet their needs. 

And this year is looking like more of the same. 

Continuing the forward momentum of adapting to the state’s vision of Behavioral Health Transformation, CalMHSA is looking to 2026 with several priorities. We’re excited about the prospect of bringing more cost-effective solutions your way, along with new ideas and perspectives, to help your teams adjust to requirements, shifts, and doing more with less.  

Following what we started in 2025, we’ll deepen and expand our technical assistance on the Behavioral Health Services Act, collaborating with DHCS not only to meet their needs but to ensure they understand yours. We’ll hone in on new training around data insights, fiscal issues, and housing guidance.  

We’re also planning some fresh and innovative approaches to keep building and supporting your workforce. And we’ll keep pushing for greater awareness and understanding (like this new video) of what you do, the complexities you manage on a daily basis, and how, across the state, all Californians benefit from your commitment.  

Five years is not such a long time — except when it is. Whatever the next five bring, CalMHSA is proud to problem-solve and partner, and to stand with county behavioral health.  

January 27, 2026