San Bernardino County residents have until Monday, Nov. 9, to weigh in on proposed changes to the county's behavioral health spending plan.

The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department opened a public comment period on the Intermittent Update to its Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan, according to a county announcement posted Oct. 29. The comment window runs through Nov. 9.

The Integrated Plan guides how the county invests in behavioral health services, housing and support programs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The Intermittent Update covers adjustments for fiscal year 2026-27.

What's changing

The update includes two new housing development projects that would add 98 units in San Bernardino County, according to the county announcement. It also includes program realignments and changes to funding allocations. The county has not publicly identified the locations or unit breakdowns for those projects.

Under the BHSA framework, 30% of funding goes to housing interventions, with half of that reserved for people who are chronically homeless. Another 35% supports Full Service Partnership programs for people with significant behavioral health needs. The remaining 35% funds Behavioral Health Services and Supports, with at least 51% of that share directed to early intervention programs, according to the county's BHSA program page.

Background

California voters approved the BHSA in 2024, replacing the Mental Health Services Act that had been in place since 2004. The law is funded by a 1% tax on personal income over $1 million. It expanded the scope of services to include substance use disorder treatment and added housing and accountability requirements.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the current Integrated Plan in June 2026.

How to comment

The department offers three ways to submit feedback: an online survey, a downloadable comment form, or a paper form sent by email or mail. Comment forms are available in English and Spanish.

Residents can visit the county's BHSA page at wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/programs/bhsa/ to access the draft plan and comment forms. For translation, interpretation or disability accommodations, call 800-722-9866 (TTY users dial 7-1-1) or email [email protected]. Paper forms can be mailed to 1950 S. Sunwest Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92415.

The comment period closes Nov. 9.