Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Department / Health / Mental

Ca Department Of Mental Health

  • About the California Department of Mental Health: learn about the agency's mission, vision, and values
  • Services offered by the California Department of Mental Health: find out what types of mental health services are available to the community
  • Programs and initiatives: explore the various programs and initiatives that the California Department of Mental Health is involved in
  • California's Mental Health System: gain an understanding of how California's mental health system operates, including its history and current structure
  • Laws and regulations: stay up-to-date with the latest mental health laws and regulations in California
  • News and events: keep current with the latest news, events, and developments related to mental health in California
  • Resources for mental health professionals: access various resources and trainings that are available to mental health professionals in California
  • Resources for mental health consumers and their families: find information and resources for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones
  • How to get involved: learn about ways to get involved in mental health advocacy and support in California
  • Contact us: get in touch with the California Department of Mental Health for more information or assistance

About the California Department of Mental Health

The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) is dedicated to promoting wellness, recovery, and resilience for all individuals living with mental health conditions. The agency's mission is to provide high-quality mental health services that are accessible and culturally responsive to the diverse communities of California. DMH envisions a future where all Californians have access to affordable and effective mental health care that supports their full potential and quality of life.

At the heart of DMH's values is a commitment to treating individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion. DMH recognizes that mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being and seeks to address the root causes of mental health conditions through prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment.

Services offered by the California Department of Mental Health

DMH offers a wide range of mental health services to individuals and families throughout California. Some of the services provided by DMH include:

  • Outpatient mental health services
  • Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
  • Crisis intervention services
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Peer support services
  • Case management services

DMH also provides specialized services for children and adolescents, older adults, and individuals with complex needs. In addition, DMH collaborates with community-based organizations and other stakeholders to ensure that mental health services are integrated with other healthcare services and meet the unique needs of each community.

Programs and initiatives

DMH is involved in various programs and initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes for individuals and communities. Some of these programs and initiatives include:

  • Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Programs: DMH funds PEI programs that aim to prevent mental health conditions and address them early on.
  • Full Service Partnerships (FSP): FSPs provide comprehensive services to individuals with serious mental health conditions, including housing, employment support, and case management services.
  • Mental Health Services Act (MHSA): MHSA provides funding for mental health services and programs, including prevention and early intervention, workforce education and training, and innovation projects.
  • Integrated Behavioral Health: DMH collaborates with primary care providers to integrate mental health services with other healthcare services, improving access and outcomes for individuals.

DMH is also involved in various research and evaluation efforts aimed at improving mental health outcomes and advancing the field of mental health.

California's Mental Health System

California's mental health system has a complex history and structure. In the 1960s, California closed many state-run psychiatric hospitals, leading to the deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental health conditions. However, community-based mental health services were not adequately funded or developed, resulting in a lack of access to care for many individuals.

Today, California's mental health system is a mix of public and private entities, with DMH playing a key role in setting policies and providing funding for mental health services. Counties are responsible for implementing mental health services and managing their own budgets, resulting in variation in services and resources across the state.

Laws and regulations

California has a variety of laws and regulations related to mental health, including:

  • Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act: This law governs involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in California.
  • Mental Health Services Act (MHSA): MHSA provides funding for mental health services and programs and sets requirements for county mental health plans.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA sets standards for the privacy and security of healthcare information, including mental health information.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including mental health conditions, in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

DMH works to ensure that mental health laws and regulations are up-to-date and effective in promoting access to care and protecting the rights of individuals with mental health conditions.

News and events

Staying up-to-date with the latest news and developments related to mental health in California is important for individuals, families, and mental health professionals. DMH provides a variety of resources for staying informed, including:

  • Newsletters and bulletins
  • Webinars and trainings
  • Conferences and events
  • Social media channels

By staying informed, individuals can advocate for policies and programs that support mental health and access to care for all Californians.

Resources for mental health professionals

DMH provides a variety of resources and trainings for mental health professionals in California. Some of these resources include:

  • Mental health workforce education and training programs
  • Clinical practice guidelines and tools
  • Research and evaluation reports
  • Technical assistance and consultation

DMH works to ensure that mental health professionals in California have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to individuals with mental health conditions.

Resources for mental health consumers and their families

DMH recognizes the importance of providing information and resources to individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Some of the resources available include:

  • Mental health resources and referrals
  • Educational materials and toolkits
  • Peer support services
  • Family resource centers

By providing these resources, DMH aims to empower individuals and families to take an active role in their mental health care and recovery.

How to get involved

Getting involved in mental health advocacy and support is an important way to promote positive change in California's mental health system. DMH provides a variety of opportunities for individuals to get involved, including:

  • Participating in community mental health programs and events
  • Advocating for mental health policies and funding
  • Volunteering with mental health organizations
  • Sharing personal stories and experiences

By getting involved, individuals can help raise awareness about mental health and advocate for policies and programs that support access to high-quality care for all Californians.

Contact us

If you have questions or need assistance related to mental health in California, DMH is here to help. You can contact DMH through their website or by phone to access resources and support.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ca Department Of Mental Health

What is Ca Department Of Mental Health?

The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) is responsible for the administration and oversight of mental health services in California.

What services does Ca Department Of Mental Health provide?

The DMH provides a range of mental health services including prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with mental illness. They also provide support for families and communities affected by mental illness.

How can I access services from Ca Department Of Mental Health?

You can access mental health services through your local county mental health department. The DMH provides oversight and support to the county mental health departments across California.

Does Ca Department Of Mental Health provide crisis services?

Yes, the DMH provides crisis intervention services through their 24-hour Crisis Hotline. You can call toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.