Connect with BHS

The County of San Diego (County) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department encourages community feedback and ongoing engagement. There are many ways to connect with BHS. Explore this page to learn about advisory boards and councils, ongoing projects, program planning, and more.

Fill out the Community Request Form to request behavioral health materials, resources, or a professional speaker for an upcoming event. Any community members, groups, or organizations within San Diego County are welcome to submit a request.

BHS Boards, Councils, & Public Convenings 

Behavioral Health Advisory Board

The County’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) is a 20-member citizen board created as a result of state legislation. Members are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. BHAB’s purpose is to review and evaluate the community’s behavioral health needs, services, programs, facilities, and procedures to ensure citizen and professional involvement in the planning process. In addition to BHAB’s regular monthly meeting, there are meetings held throughout the month that are open to the public with opportunities for public comment, reference the table below for more details. Members of the public may request to be added to an email distribution list to receive BHAB meeting notices.

For more information on BHAB, including how to attend or participate, email BHS or call 619-563-2700.

BHAB Meetings

BHS Councils & Public Convenings

BHS hosts multiple public convenings and formal Councils, each with a distinct purpose as it relates to various aspects of the behavioral health community. Refer to the BHAB & BHS Councils page for more details.

For more information on BHS Councils and public convenings, including how to attend or participate, email BHS or call 619-563-2700.

Mental Health Services Act

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Program Planning (CPP) Process is a state-mandated process in collaboration with the community to gather input on how to assess the current capacity, define the populations to be served, and determine strategies to provide effective MHSA-funded programs.

The CPP process is ongoing, and the County encourages open dialogue to provide everyone with opportunities to have input in future planning. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in BHAB Council meetings and to contact BHS via email or by calling 619-563-2700 for more information. 

BHS Capital Projects

The County is transforming behavioral healthcare in San Diego County by building an array of mental health and substance use services that are regionally distributed across San Diego County, enabling people to access and remain connected to care within their own communities. In alignment with this vision, the County is currently managing the capital building projects below. Visit the project web page to learn more and for upcoming community engagement opportunities.

• East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit and Recovery Bridge Center  
• Tri-City Psychiatric Health Facility

For questions about BHS capital projects, contact BHS via email. 

County Harm Reduction & Prevention Groups

San Diego County Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce

The San Diego County Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce unites the former Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force and Methamphetamine Strike Force under a new name and mission. The Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce addresses the overuse and misuse of prescription and illicit drugs and works to prevent overdose deaths by engaging prevention, public health, and public safety partners, other sector partners, and community members.

The taskforce has multiple subcommittees and over 200 stakeholders and members who work collaboratively to change policies, practices, and norms and to connect communities to prevention, harm reduction, and treatment resources. Contact BHS via email or by calling 619-563-2700 for more information on San Diego County Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce and subcommittee meetings.

Taskforce Meetings at a Glance 

Alcohol Policy Panel of San Diego County

The Alcohol Policy Panel is a coalition of community leaders from diverse sectors of San Diego County who convene to prevent binge and underage drinking through policy advancement.

The Marijuana Prevention Initiative

The Marijuana Prevention Initiative works to reduce youth access to marijuana by increasing public awareness regarding the adverse effects resulting from youth marijuana use.

Behavioral Health Stakeholder Meetings

NAMI Peer Council