Kern County, CA - Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
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In March 2024, voters passed Proposition 1, a transformation of California’s behavioral health system, strengthening California’s ability to meet the needs of individuals living with behavioral health needs. The new law includes two parts: the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) and a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for community infrastructure and housing with services.
The BHSA, which goes into effect on July 1, 2026, replaces the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) of 2004. It reforms behavioral health care funding to prioritize services for people living with the most significant mental health needs, while adding the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), expanding housing interventions, and increasing the behavioral health workforce. It also enhances oversight, transparency, and accountability at the state and local levels.
2026-29 Integrated Plan
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) requires all county Behavioral Health Departments to submit a three-year Integrated Plan for Behavioral Health Services and Outcomes outlining use of funds and a budget for behavioral health programs administered, beginning with Fiscal Years 2026-2029 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029). The Department of Health Care Services, County of Kern and the Behavioral Health Board have all approved the plan posted below.
2026-27 Annual Plan
The KernBHRS Annual Report entails continuing, new, and proposed mental health programs to serve children, transitional-age youth, adults, and older adults. An approved version of the Annual Plan is posted below.
2025 Innovation Plan
The KernBHRS' Innovation Plan (INN) has been approved by the Behavioral Health Board and the County of Kern. This is a stand-alone INN Project Plan, in which KernBHRS has joined together with other counties in collaboration with CalMHSA to participate in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution, SmartCare.
Proposed Annual Documents/Updates
Three-Year Plan Published
The Kern County Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) 3 Year Plan 2023-2026 is now published. As per the Mental Health Services Act regulatory requirements, there was a 30-day public comment period that is now closed.
Between April 21, 2023 and May 20, 2023, the public was able to review the draft of the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Kern County Mental Health Services Act 3 Year Plan 2023-2026 and provide public comments. Comments were collected, summarized, and added to the plan if they were deemed applicable.
If you have questions, please contact us via email at MHSATeam@kernbhrs.org.
Community Forums
KernBHRS hosts community forums each month, focusing on department updates, community feedback and the transition to the Behavioral Health Services. The forums are held on the second Wednesday in English and on the third Wednesday in Spanish at the Westchester Building on 2001 28th Street in Bakersfield. You can also join them virtually HERE. Each forum is from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. A light lunch is provided for all attendees.
Prevention & Early Intervention
- AB114 Prevention & Early Intervention and Innovative Program Plan
- Three-Year Evaluation Report for FY 2021-2024
Community Services And Support Plan
California Department of Mental Health Information
Innovation Projects
- The Healing Project Final Report (FY 2021-2024)
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