Mental Health Authority The Mental Health Authority provides the overall leadership and strategic direction for the District of Columbia's mental health system. The Authority sets policy, ensures access to services and support systems, trains new and existing service providers, regulates service providers, protects consumers' rights, and ensures the mental health system is accountable. The Mental Health Authority: Makes sure that culturally sensitive mental health services are easily accessible Promotes the rights of consumers, their families, and support systems in designing a recovery-based system of care Guides the development of a model, comprehensive system of care for children, youths, and their families Promotes the availability of affordable housing for consumers of mental health services Certifies and monitors service providers Establishes partnerships in the public and private sectors to expand employment opportunities for consumers of mental health services Licenses residential facilities Builds linkages in District neighborhoods to promote a greater awareness of mental health services Maintains a 24-hour point of contact through the agency's Access HelpLine: 1 (888) 793-4357 (7WE-HELP).