Prevention & Early Intervention

Well and Thriving

The Commission endeavors to embrace a prevention and early intervention framework in all that it does. Many factors influencing behavioral health can be modified, often preventing mental health challenges from emerging at all. Early intervention and supports lessen suffering, reduce suicide, and improve quality of life. This prevention and early intervention mindset is enshrined in the Commission’s founding statutes and carried out in its decision-making, priority setting, and projects.

The BHSA, Prevention, and Early Intervention

The Behavioral Health Services Act, passed by California voters in 2024 to transform the 2004 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), creates new state-administered, population-based prevention efforts to reduce the prevalence of mental health challenges and substance use disorders while also prioritizing children and youth.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) receives funding to implement population-based behavioral health prevention strategies, including mental health and substance use disorder prevention programs. The Commission consults with CDPH on these efforts. Fifty-one percent of the prevention funding will serve people 25 years of age or younger.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) sets early intervention policies, with consultation from the Commission. The Commission also consults with DHCS to establish a biennial list of evidence-based practices and community-defined evidence practices for counties to implement locally.

The Behavioral Health Services Act, passed by California voters in 2024 to transform the 2004 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), creates new state-administered, population-based prevention efforts to reduce the prevalence of mental health challenges and substance use disorders while also prioritizing children and youth.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) receives funding to implement population-based behavioral health prevention strategies, including mental health and substance use disorder prevention programs. The Commission consults with CDPH on these efforts. Fifty-one percent of the prevention funding will serve people 25 years of age or younger.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) sets early intervention policies, with consultation from the Commission. The Commission also consults with DHCS to establish a biennial list of evidence-based practices and community-defined evidence practices for counties to implement locally.

Advancing Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental Health

In early 2019, the Commission launched a policy research project to explore opportunities for prevention and early intervention in mental health. Guided by a directive from the Governor and Legislature (Chapter 843, Statutes of 2018), the Commission also sought to explore opportunities to promote the Prevention and Early Intervention component of the MHSA through evaluation and technical support.
The report made four policy recommendations.

1. The Governor and Legislature should establish a State leader for prevention and early intervention, charged with establishing a statewide strategic plan for prevention and early intervention – with clear and compelling goals tied to global standards of wellbeing that are centered in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
2. The State’s strategic approach to prevention and early intervention must address risk factors – with particular attention to trauma – and enhance resiliency, by addressing
   basic needs and bolstering the role of environments, cultures, and caregivers in promoting and protecting mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan for individuals, families, and society at large.
3. The State’s strategic approach to prevention and early intervention must promote mental health awareness and combat stigma by ensuring all people have access to information and resources necessary to understand and support their own or another person’s mental health needs.
4. As part of its approach to prevention and early intervention, the State must guarantee all residents have access to behavioral health screening and an adjacent system of care that respects and responds to California’s diverse communities and their mental health needs.