An examination of mental health policy: a content analysis of change strategies from international to local

This project provides an overview of international, national, and local policy initiatives that support the need for systemic changes within the mental health system in California. California, being the 6th largest economy in the world and one of the largest public mental health systems, has laid groundwork for change strategies both nationally and internationally. The Mental Health Services Act of 2004 (MHSA) has become the instrumental within the state that has set up the framework for the transformation of a wellness and recovery, consumer oriented system. The components of the MHSA support the national recommendations of the President's New Freedom as well as other well-known reports and California has conceptualized and begun to implement those recommendations within their county systems. This project examines the Community Service Plans of the ten counties, which include Sacramento, Solano, Amador, Placer, Napa, San Joaquin, El Dorado, Yolo, Sutter and Contra Costa. This study utilizes content analysis as it research method in order to view how the MHSA is implemented into local community services and supports programs.