Resources

The Commission works through partnerships to catalyze transformational changes across service systems so that everyone who needs mental health care has access to and receives effective and culturally competent care. Learn More

The CSG Justice Center develops research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. Learn More

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. Learn More

US Legal, Inc provides legal information in the form of Questions & Answers, Definitions, Articles, Blogs and Reporting on various subjects in the United States legal field. You can also find an attorney or buy legal forms for Pro Se representation. US Legal seeks to simplify and break down the barriers to legal information. Learn More

Nolo is the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Find plain-English definitions for legal terms by browsing Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. Learn More

The Reentry Policy Council (RPC) was established in 2001 to assist state government officials grappling with the increasing number of people leaving prisons and jails to return to the communities they left behind.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains an extensive dictionary of medical and mental health terms and definitions on their website. Learn More

Friends Outside is a nonprofit community-based organization that has been providing programs and services to families and individuals involved in the criminal justice system since 1955. Learn More

The CAMHPRA’s manual is intended to provide accurate general information regarding legal rights. It does not constitute legal advice. Because laws & legal procedures are subject to frequent change and differing interpretations, CAMHPRA cannot ensure the information in the manual is current nor be responsible for any use to which it is put. Do not rely on this information without first consulting with an attorney or the patients’ rights office in your area regarding your particular situation. Read the CAMHPRA Manual

The American system of government is founded on two counterbalancing principles: that the majority of the people governs, through democratically elected representatives; and that the power even of a democratic majority must be limited, to ensure individual rights. Learn More

NAMI California maintains AB-1424 forms by county that can assist you in helping a mentally ill family member who has been hospitalized for involuntary treatment. These forms allow family members to provide vital information to medical personnel regarding the condition of a loved one.

NAMI California maintains guides and forms as best as possible listed by county that can assist you in helping a friend or family member with a serious mental illness who has been arrested. These “guides” provide step-by-step procedures to assist in navigating the criminal justice system of each county. Click on the links below to access the county websites. Print the Arrested Guide including the Inmate Medication Information Form (if available). Click on the Medication Form link to display and print only the form.

NAMI California maintains Inmate Mental Health Information Forms (with instructions for each site) listed by prison location that can be used to inform prison clinical staff of psychiatric diagnosis, medication, and medical information regarding a person with a serious mental illness who has been transferred from the county jail to a Reception Center prison. Click on the links below to access the prison website. Print the Inmate Mental Health Information Form and accompanying instructions for the correct prison site, complete, and fax.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has responsibility for enhancing public safety through safe and secure incarceration of offenders, effective parole supervision, and rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders into our communities. CDCR’s website contains a wealth of information about state prisons, visitation, services, and programs. Information and guidelines for CDCR’s Visiting Program. Learn More

A list of California Crisis Intervention Training/Programs, organized by county. Download PDF

A list Behavioral and Mental Health Courts in California. Download PDF

Links to specific information for specific populations and ethnic groups. Learn more at https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/minority-veterans

Learn more about mental health concerns, tips and suggestions, how asking for mental health treatment may affect your career, how you can help a fellow warrior, and how you can make a strong transition to civilian life.

Health benefits & eligibility, services, compensation and more. Visit: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/women-veterans

This site is a storehouse of facility and key staff information within 1128 VA facilities. Designed for ease-of-use, information is categorized for browsing by state and administration, as well as by viewing through an interactive map of the United States.

The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

In 1980, the U.S. Department of Education was created by bringing together offices from several other departments.

Access your Senators and find out about legislation that makes a difference to mental health.

In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, the Library of Congress provides you with searchable information about the U.S. Congress and the legislative process.

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel is pleased to announce the posting of three briefing papers; Consumer Advocacy in the Implementation of the Ticket to Work Act, An Evolving Partnership: The Roles of the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRA) in the Implementation of the Ticket to Work Act and Policy Options for Assisting Child SSI Recipients in Transition.

SAMHSA is comprised of three Centers that carry out the agency`s mission of improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the U.S. federal government’s principal agency for conducting and funding research on mental illnesses and behavioral disorders.

President George W. Bush announced the creation of The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque on April 29, 2002.

This site represents one of the many ways in which LSC has applied technology to improve the provision of civil legal assistance to those in need. LSC funds 216 legal aid programs around the nation to help poor Americans gain equal access to the judicial system.

DisabilityInfo.gov is your central gateway to the federal government’s disability-related information and resources.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a national policy organization working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

This site is maintained by the Legislative Counsel of California, pursuant to California law.

As the Patient Advocate, it’s our job to take the steps necessary to inform and assist consumers who are enrolled in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

Mental Health Association in California and its affiliates provide a conduit through which statewide coalitions on mental health are maintained and work together to promote these values.

This site provides access to provider bulletins, manuals, regulations and forms for enrolling in the Medi-Cal program.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a national policy organization working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

The state senate website will allow you to locate current Senate Members, schedules, legislation and committees.

California State Assembly website is a source where you can find up-to-date information on Assembly activities, contact your Legislator and many other links.

The Department of Mental Health’s written plan for caring for mentally ill persons of diverse ages, colors, and cultures.

CMHDA provides assistance, information, training, and advocacy to the public mental health agencies that are its members.

The Internet Formulary Reference provides information on formularies of regional HMO health plans (referred to below as “plans”).

A link to the Mental Health Services Division’s programs, resources, and services.

Resources for submitting Provider Complaint to the Department of Managed Health Care and a list of the plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care (HMO Reports).

See a list of personal stories and articles.

See a list of personal stories and articles.

NAMI California’s Represent Recovery initiative is a campaign and initiative calling for a paradigm shift in the way we view mental health in diverse cultural communities. It aims to serve members of underrepresented communities while centering their voices in the overall mental health movement.

Recovery Innovations, Inc. & Mental Health America of Los Angeles

Recovery is cited, within Transforming Mental Health Care in America, Federal Action Agenda: First Steps, as the “single most important goal” for the mental health service delivery system.

Frequently Asked Questions