Overview
The CSAs are the local mental health authorities responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring public mental health services at the local level. CSA exist under the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and also are agents of the county government, which approve their organizational structure.
The functions of core service agencies are to plan, develop, and manage a full range of treatment and rehabilitation services for persons with serious mental illness in their jurisdiction as stipulated by the Health General Article, 10-10-1203, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Organizationally, the CSA can exist in a number of forms: as a unit of county government (e.g. health department), as a quasi-public authority, or as a private, non-profit corporation. Whatever the structure selected, the CSA is an agent of county government, and as such the County is the appropriate body to decide on the organizational structure. The model selected should emerge from a local process which involves citizens, consumers, providers, policy makers, and advocates. Those jurisdictions applying for core service agency designation must ensure that. The CSA must be governmental or not-for-profit in nature. The CSA must be able to link with other human service agencies to promote comprehensive services for individuals in MHA's priority population who have multiple human needs.
For more information about specific CSA's please contact the CSA DIRECTOR
Maryland Association of Core Service Agencies, Inc (MACSA) Directory ![]()


