From the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website:
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), approved by voters in November 2004, assists counties and state agencies by providing increased funding, personnel, and other resources to support county mental health programs and monitor progress toward statewide goals for children, transition age youth (TAY), adults, older adults and families.
DDS began receiving ongoing MHSA funds from the State in 2008-09 for Regional Centers to develop and oversee innovative projects. DDS distributes MHSA funds to Regional Centers in three-year cycles, utilizing a competitive application process. Project priorities are established and project selection is conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders. Only Regional Centers can apply for MHSA funding through the state; however, they must work in partnership via subcontracts with local systems of care such as county mental health, private mental health agencies, alcohol/other drug services, educational entities, and/or other regional centers. LACDMH does not fund Regional Centers with MHSA funds; rather, Regional Centers are to apply directly with CA DDS for grants.
California MHSA (Mental Health Services Act) Funding to Regional Centers
This link goes to the CA DDS webpage that describes current and past funded projects
- MHSA Cycle VI Grantees:
- Westside Regional Center in Partnership with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center:
- Substance Use Service Delivery Expansion Project
This project aims to improve substance use disorder (SUD) services for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health concerns. Specifically, it will build the competency of providers supporting individuals with I/DD and SUD utilizing an e-learning Certification Program. Furthermore, this project will equip direct service providers with skills in identification and understanding of substance abuse issues, trauma-informed care, as well as provide them with tools to encourage and support individuals in treatment. This project will:- Perform needs assessment and evaluations; develop and implement a survey for service providers to identify the scope of SUD among people with I/DD; and establish tools for service improvement.
- Build competency of providers supporting individuals with I/DD and SUD utilizing an e-learning Certification Program in SUD.
- Equip direct service providers with skills in identification and understanding of substance abuse issues, trauma-informed care, as well as provide them with tools to encourage and support population in treatment.
- Develop a Peer Mentoring Program.
- Area served: Parts of Los Angeles County – specifically Westside Regional Center’s and Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center’s service areas.
- Project Amount Awarded:
FY2023-2024: $292,372
FY2024-2025: $233,159
FY2025-2026: $250,581
- Substance Use Service Delivery Expansion Project
- Westside Regional Center in Partnership with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center:
- MHSA Cycle V Grantees:
- South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
- Children’s Collaborative Mental Health Project
In partnership with Kendren Community Mental Health Center, the project will provide person-centered mental health assessment and referrals to consumers ages 10-17 that are dually diagnosed or at risk of developing a mental disorder. This project will:- Provide support and intervention for children who have mental health symptoms to improve resilience and well-being;
- Offer training to service coordinators, community clinicians, and school educators on how to identify and better serve individuals with dual diagnosis; and
- Increase parental knowledge about concepts in mental health and psychoeducation
- Area served: South Central Los Angeles
- Project Amount Awarded:
FY2020-2021: $162,904
FY2021-2022: $206,860
FY2022-2023: $213,520
- Children’s Collaborative Mental Health Project
- South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
Last updated: 1/3/25