Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions faced by Californians: Nearly 1 in 7 California adults experiences a mental illness, and one in 26 has a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. 1 in 14 children has an emotional disturbance that limits functioning in family, school, or community activities. A number of positive changes have helped strengthen California’s mental health system. These changes include federal and state laws mandating parity in coverage of mental and physical illness, and the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility and scope of mental health services under the Affordable Care Act. In addition, there have been numerous public and private efforts to expand access to care, encourage better integration of physical and mental health care, and reduce stigma. Nonetheless, a majority of Californians who need it fail to receive needed care.