Dr. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan

Candidate for Congress, District 40

4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS

Why does behavioral health matter?
As someone who received my Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford, I understand the relevance of behavioral health for our society. When people feel isolated from others or socially unsupported, it takes a toll on their families, their workplaces, and ultimately on all of us. We need to support behavioral health so that our society may thrive.

What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges?
We should demand funding for Congress to meet our caregiving needs. If Congress can fun unlimited wars, it can most certainly afford to provide mental health and substance use rehabilitation resources to veterans, families, seniors, and all others affected by Congress’ war economy.

How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions?
We need broad education programs to teach people how to help others. We need a culture of psychological safety wherein everyone feels valued, regardless of their behavioral health status.

Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority?
I fully support funding behavioral health research as well as translating it into public policy with broad supporting programs.

Your question

If you could ask a question for leaders about behavioral health, what would it be?

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