California’s Behavioral Health Commission Unveils Toolkit to Strengthen Community Influence in County Behavioral Health Systems.
SACRAMENTO – The Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) is proud to announce the release of its Community Partner Toolkit, designed to help Californians advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Available today at bhsoac.ca.gov/community-partner-toolkit, the toolkit equips community members with the knowledge to elevate their lived experience and influence county behavioral health plans.
When Californians passed Proposition 1 in 2024 and initiated the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), they changed how counties create their plans for supporting behavioral health with State and federal funding. Counties must now engage with more partners and community stakeholders than before. The BHSA emphasizes that counties must specifically include those with the most chronic and severe behavioral health needs. The new BHSA Community Planning Process centers the stories and voices of individuals, families, and community-based organizations directly affected by significant behavioral health challenges.
Recognizing that participation in the planning process can be overwhelming, CBH designed this toolkit to give people and organizations the counties most need to hear from the background necessary to turn their experiences into real, lasting change. The toolkit explains the BHSA Community Planning Process, from funding sources to community rights, as well as where, when, and how to engage. Written in plain, clear language, CBH hopes Californians can use this tool to understand how the system works and claim their seat at the table.
“The Commission’s toolkit offers clear, easy-to-access information that Californians can use to strengthen their resolve and drive change in their communities,” said CBH Chair Al Rowlett. “The system can feel daunting, without a doubt. With this toolkit, we aim to reduce barriers to participation—so more people feel confident, capable, and empowered to take part in shaping their communities.”
The new BHSA Community Planning Process started in Fall 2025, and counties are already creating plans through community engagement. The BHSA requires counties to publish their draft plans on March 31, 2026, for public comment. Plans must be approved by county boards of supervisors and sent to the State by June 30, 2026.
To support broad distribution of the Community Partner Toolkit, CBH has established a dedicated webpage (bhsoac.ca.gov/community-partner-toolkit) offering outreach resources like pre‑drafted social media posts and images. CBH encourages advocates across California to use these materials to share the toolkit within their communities and across their professional networks.
“The CBH Community Planning Toolkit will play a critical role in promoting equitable participation in the planning process because it is designed to amplify voices that are often overlooked,” said Commission Vice Chair and mental health peer Rayshell Chambers. “It levels the playing field for people with lived experience by educating them on available county resources such as transportation or interpreter services, and by providing practical tips and caring guidance to demystify the process and foster meaningful engagement.”
Every Californian should feel empowered to get involved in the BHSA Community Planning Process in their county. Every voice matters. Every story matters. CBH – and the BHSA – envisions a future where Californians are deeply engaged with their counties in creating a behavioral health system that appropriately serves those with the greatest need. This toolkit is an important step toward that future.
About the Commission:
The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, known as the Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) and formerly the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, was initially established to oversee implementation of Proposition 63 (the Mental Health Services Act of 2004) and to drive innovation and accountability in California’s mental health system.
The CBH champions wellbeing for all Californians through behavioral health prevention and intervention, including mental health and substance use disorders. By working with community partners, individuals with lived experience, family members, State agencies, and the Legislature we help to increase public understanding, catalyze best practices, and inspire innovation. Our goal: accelerating transformational change.