Mental Health Services Act

MHSA Logo-Wellness Recovery Resilience

Welcome to Merced County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) page.

What is MHSA?

Purpose: MHSA (or Proposition 63) was approved by voters in 2004.  This Act imposes a 1% income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million in order to increase county mental health funding. MHSA is focused on creating an innovative mental health system that promotes wellness, recovery, and resiliency while decreasing stigma. Services are culturally competent, easier to access, and more effective in preventing and treating serious mental illness.  Please select to view the latest version of the Amended MHSA as revised 01/27/2020

MHSA is based on 5 essential elements:

  • Cultural Competence 
  • Community Collaboration 
  • Consumer and Family Driven Services 
  • Focus on Wellness, Recovery and Resiliency 
  • An Integrated Services Experience

MHSA is implemented through five (5) main Components: 

Latest News

Merced County's Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan - 
Public Hearing on June 6, 2023

Merced County has completed the 30-Day Public Review and Comment Period on the Draft Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan . The required Public Hearing on the Three-Year Plan will be held, in person, by the Behavioral Health Advisory Board on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, starting at 5:15 pm, in the BHRS Conference Center at 301 East 13th Street, Merced California 95341.  Upon request, interpretative assistance will be available to Spanish and Hmong-speaking residents.

For information about the Public Hearing, please call MHSA at (209) 381-6800 or email MHSA@countyofmerced.com 

Other News

  • MHSA partners with Public Health to provide Health Education classes, workshops and trainings aimed to improve both mental and physical health. Call Public Health at (209) 381-1223 or email them at PublicHealthCOPE@countyofmerced.com to learn about upcoming classes or workshops.
  • Visit the MHSA Events and Campaigns Page to access recent event photos and learn more about these educational and inspiring events.
  • Visit the MHSA Artwork Page to view inspiring and creative consumer and community artwork.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Logo in square-white-black

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  
CALL or TEXT 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. It is available for everyone, is free, and confidential.  There is Hope. Just call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Recent MHSA Plans, Updates, and Reports

Visit the MHSA Plans, Updates, and Reports page to view recent and historical MHSA program and fiscal documents.