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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Addressing and treating behavioral health issues, including mental health, substance use, intellectual disabilities, and co-occurring disorders, provides integrated healthcare services that better promote wellness and recovery for individuals, families, and communities. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? Ensuring that every American has healthcare coverage is the number one thing that the federal government can do to improve access to behavioral healthcare treatment. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Public education, talking openly, and compassion are some of the most effective ways that we can reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Absolutely. MORE
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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Governments - at all levels - need to be much more aware, educated and eager in helping those with mental and behavioral issues.  Often times politicians see gun-control and homelessness as isolated issues, when in fact, they are often tied (significantly) to mental and behavioral health issues. Insurance companies should be supporting and covering more exams and preventative measures BEFORE mental health issues become permanent behavioral changes detrimental to the health and safety of the individual(s), their communities and this state.   MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? The state needs to step up and allocate funding for public screening facilities, treatment centers, and support non-profit organizations who can assist them logistically in treating these people with mental health challenges. The pharmaceutical companies who have created the opioid crisis, should be the ones funding the education and rehab costs, since they are the ones who caused this problem in the first place. (State and local governments should NOT have to bear the financial burden themselves). MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? This again, ties in to other issues like homelessness. Not all homeless people want or need help.  Each person should be categorized based on their unique needs and/or their willingness to get - and accept - help.   This holds especially true for mental and behavioral challenges.   There needs to be more experts in the field, in the homeless encampments, working with non-profits and qualitative and quantitative research professionals to determine the proper future protocol for care, treatment, rehab, medication, etc.  MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Absolutely!  I do!  This is not something that we as a society and human beings can simply throw under the rug or "kick the can down the road" for others to deal with.  It will amplify the problem and lead to more crime, misinformation, public pushback, and additional financial and logistical resources necessary like police, firefighters, first responders, etc.   We need to allocate money and resources NOW as preventative measures and educate the public of how to handle those with mental and behavioral challenges.  MORE
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    5 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? It matters because it is essential to the overall health of everyone. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? California lawmakers must promote legislation that will improve the access to effective mental health services for people of all ages who have a mental health or substance abuse disorder. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Talk about it, openly and honestly. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I have always been committed to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority long before I launched my campaign for the 78th Assembly District. That will not change.  MORE
    Away from politics, I am a mental health professional. I hold a certification as a Trauma Intervention Counselor, master’s degree major is in Education [Counseling], I hold a Certification in Decolonization and I have been a Christian Counselor for more than 15 specializing in psychotherapy, narrative therapy, stress, anxiety, and other areas. MORE
  • full q+a
    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Mental and behavioral health have long been overlooked in the United States. It is unacceptable that patients who suffer from behavioral health issues don't have access to the proper care they deserve. Mental and behavioral health affects everyone, therefore it's critical to make it a priority to make mental health care more accessible to those who need it. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? I strongly support the Affordable Care Act and the work that it did to provide affordable healthcare to the most vulnerable in our state. However, the ACA is just a start. In a state as rich as California, it is horrifying that people still can't receive the proper treatment. As a State Senator, I will work with other state legislators to reform mental health and addictions care and enact a more comprehensive approach to these issues. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? One out of every five adults in the United States suffers from a diagnosable mental illness, but the stigma of mental illness often prevents people from getting the help they need. In order to lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions, California must work to educate people on the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use, and encourage openness and equality between physical and mental health. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Yes, absolutely. If elected to the Senate I will advocate for more accessible and affordable mental health care in California. I will work to expand access to mental health care and implement more funding for mental health professionals throughout California's education system. I will support public policy that promotes comprehensive and integrated behavioral health care and treatment, and advocate for the adoption of policies that improve access to these services. MORE
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