Mental health funding has made dents in homelessness and
psychiatric hospitalizations, according to a new report by the
Steinberg Institute. The report evaluates Proposition 63 (Mental
Health Services Act, or MHSA) funded programs. The report was
produced in partnership with the County Behavioral Health
Directors Association (CBHDA), a CSAC affiliate that represents
the mental health directors of all 58 counties and two cities.
The report shows the impacts of the comprehensive mental health
services provided to Californians through this funding.
Specifically, the report shows that after only one year of
services, homelessness decreased for adults by 52% and that
psychiatric hospitalization was reduced by 57% for youth and 51%
for older adults. Additionally, the report found that the
services provided with MHSA funded programs decreased
incarcerations by 49% for youths, 58% for adults, and 75% for
older adults.
The report also details the association cost savings that results
from the MHSA funded programs. More detailed cost savings can be
found in the
full report here. The report clearly demonstrates both
the benefits to vulnerable Californians and the financial
benefits of investing in mental health services.
