5840-5840.2
WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE
SECTION 5840-5840.2
5840. (a) The State Department of Mental Health shall establish a program designed to prevent mental illnesses from becoming severe and disabling. The program shall emphasize improving timely access to services for underserved populations. (b) The program shall include the following components: (1) Outreach to families, employers, primary care health care providers, and others to recognize the early signs of potentially severe and disabling mental illnesses. (2) Access and linkage to medically necessary care provided by county mental health programs for children with severe mental illness, as defined in Section 5600.3, and for adults and seniors with severe mental illness, as defined in Section 5600.3, as early in the onset of these conditions as practicable. (3) Reduction in stigma associated with either being diagnosed with a mental illness or seeking mental health services. (4) Reduction in discrimination against people with mental illness. (c) The program shall include mental health services similar to those provided under other programs effective in preventing mental illnesses from becoming severe, and shall also include components similar to programs that have been successful in reducing the duration of untreated severe mental illnesses and assisting people in quickly regaining productive lives. (d) The program shall emphasize strategies to reduce the following negative outcomes that may result from untreated mental illness: (1) Suicide. (2) Incarcerations. (3) School failure or dropout. (4) Unemployment. (5) Prolonged suffering. (6) Homelessness. (7) Removal of children from their homes. (e) In consultation with mental health stakeholders, the department shall revise the program elements in Section 5840 applicable to all county mental health programs in future years to reflect what is learned about the most effective prevention and intervention programs for children, adults, and seniors. 5840.2. (a) The department shall contract for the provision of services pursuant to this part with each county mental health program in the manner set forth in Section 5897.