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  • full q+a
    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? As a mother and public school teacher, every day I see firsthand why behavioral health matters. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? Incentivize careers in behavioral health so we have the support providers necessary across this state to help those in need. This is also a national issue, so I intend to work on legislation for this in Congress. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? If we open the conversation early, especially with students and parents in schools, we can begin to destigmatize behavioral and mental health issues. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I intend to legislate for behavioral and mental health support and providers in schools. I also intend to legislate student loan and tax incentives for those who wish to go into careers in behavioral and mental health because we face a dire shortage of those professionals across this country. MORE
  • full q+a
    5 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? We must improve access to care and treatments. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? I will not only fight for increased federal funding for mental health treatment and facilities,  I will form a joint county commission, tasked with identifying, addressing and treating mental health issues right here in our District. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? We must make early identification a priority, followed up with early intervention for everyone with mental health concerns. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Mental Health is one of my Top Priorities. MORE
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  • full q+a
    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Behavioral health refers to more than just mental health. It refers more generally to a person’s well-being: how a person’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are all connected. People often say that mental health is physical health and vice versa. Countless studies have shown that people suffering from depression, stress, and anxiety and other mental health conditions are at a higher risk of developing chronic disease, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? I think there are three important steps California can take to increase access to behavioral health care. First, we need to be worried about the fact that we are facing a shortage of behavioral health workers that is only going to worsen as the incidence of mental illness continues to rise. A recent University of California San Francisco study shows that if current trends continue, California will have 50% fewer psychiatrists and a 28% fewer psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical counselors and social workers by 2028. We need to be making major investments today. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Although uninsured rates have fallen steeply, studies suggest that as many as 63% of people who need help, aren’t seeking it out. It’s a great thing that many more people have coverage today, but we’ve also got to think about ways to motivate people to want to seek treatment. In California, more than 8 million people experience some type of behavioral health condition. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? 1 in 6 people today are affected by a mental health or substance use disorder. Behavioral health is not a niche issue, but a public health priority. Congress needs to appropriate funding commensurate with the scope and scale of the problem. I’m pleased that Congress authorized the Community Service Block Grant at $725 million, which is an increase of $10 million from last year. MORE
  • full q+a
    1 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? As a neuroscientist and policy researcher, I am fully committed to making behavioral health a top policy priority. MORE
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