Navigating California's Behavioral Health Services Act Transition: New Primers from Aurrera Health and the California Health Care Foundation

Delivery System ReformMental Health and SUD

Jun 25

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California voters approved the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) in 2024, replacing the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) that had funded community-based mental health services for 20 years. The funding source stays the same — a 1% tax on incomes over $1 million — but the rules for how counties can use the money have changed, and the state now plays a larger role in directing funds and in overseeing implementation.

Ahead of BHSA’s July 2026 implementation, Aurrera Health partnered with the California Health Care Foundation to publish a series of primers that break down the transition from MHSA to BHSA, including key funding changes, updated priorities, and what the new framework means for counties and behavioral health partners.

What You’ll Find Inside:

Behavioral Health Funding in Transition: MHSA to BHSA: At-a-glance infographics highlighting the major differences in how behavioral health funding is allocated under BHSA compared to MHSA.
From MHSA to BHSA: How California Health Policy Priorities are Changing: An overview of the major policy shifts in programs and services that can be funded under BHSA.
A System in Transition: Implications of California’s Move from MHSA to BHSA: An exploration of the implications of the shift from MHSA to BHSA, including key risks and opportunities to look out for as counties implement their BHSA programs.