CA AR107

Nearly one in seven California adults experiences a behavioral health challenge, with one in 26 having serious conditions that significantly impair daily functioning.

Roughly two-thirds of adults and adolescents with behavioral health challenges in California do not receive treatment, while anxiety and depression rates have risen 70 percent since 2017.

Socioeconomically disadvantaged regions face the highest rates of serious behavioral health challenges but struggle to staff licensed mental health professionals.

Assembly recognizes the importance of "flipping the triangle" in mental health care by prioritizing early intervention and prevention rather than reactive crisis management and acute care.

California should establish statewide minimum standards for behavioral health care that emphasize prevention and early intervention with equal access across all counties and insurance plans.