In a major overhaul of the state’s mental health system, the Governor’s plan will increase access to mental health services for all Californians ages 0-25.

Kids Mental Health Master Plan Invests $4.7 Billion to Reimagine Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Adds 40,000 New Mental Health Workers

FRESNO – As children across California return to school, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that all children, parents, and communities in California have increased access to mental health and substance use services. announced the California Master Plan for Mental Health.

Nationally, children are reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety at record rates, and are having suicidal thoughts or attempts at historic levels. A third and half of 11th graders will experience chronic grief in the 2020-2021 school year, and 1 in 10 children ages 12-17 will have at least one adult. It is presumed that he suffered from depression. last year’s episode. The suicide rate for young people from her 10 to her 18 in California increased by 20% from 2019 to he 2020.

California is taking urgent steps to address this crisis. For children and families in need of help right now, several elements of the governor’s plan include the Children’s Mental Health Resource Hub, which provides children and parents with a central hub of resources for the state of California. is already available for all children of An informative guide to warning signs of suicide and depression.

The governor announced plans to provide students with social-emotional support services at McClane High School in Fresno with a dedicated social-emotional support staff of psychologists, social workers and wellness professionals. Over the past decade, the Fresno Unified School District has grown its mental health professionals from about 50 to more than her 200. The Kids Mental Health Master Plan funds schools statewide and offers the same kinds of resources as McLane and Fresno Unified.

“Mental and behavioral health is one of the greatest challenges of our time. While other states are depriving us of resources to support the mental health of our children, California is the most important state in its history. We are committed to overhauling our mental health system,” said Governor Newsom. Our kids’ mental health master plan is based on a very simple belief: The California Way: Put kids first.”

Governor Newsom announces new plan to transform mental health for kids at McClane High School in Fresno

The Governor also signed AB 2508 by Congressman Sharon Quarksilva (D-Fullerton) to better define the role of school counselors in recognizing the importance of mental health access.

Over the past three years, California has embarked on a historic overhaul of the state’s mental health system. We are investing $4.7 billion to increase coverage options and public awareness so that every child and young person has regular screening, support and services. The funding will create a new virtual platform, establish a new pipeline for the mental health workforce, and add her 40,000 new mental health workers across the state.

Other investments include:

• $4.1 billion for community school strategies that connect children and families to health screenings, meals and other basic services;
• Invest $5 billion in CalAIM, a Medi-Cal initiative to better integrate health and behavioral health services for low-income children.
• $1.4 billion to build a more diverse healthcare workforce that expands our capacity to meet the health needs of Californians, including children and families.

“As a parent, there is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer and feeling powerless to help. “California takes the mental health and well-being of its children seriously and invests heavily in the infrastructure of the state’s mental health system. And for those currently seeking support, the California Youth Mental Health Resource Hub connects parents, guardians, educators, and children to: We connect with resources to provide children with the resources and support they need to improve their mental health and develop healthy habits and practices to thrive.”

“I truly believe that all students benefit from connecting with a mental health counselor. I hope to see positive change from our investment in social and emotional support for students. Gavin “We know Governor Newsom can provide students with something much-needed: resources to navigate life successfully,” said Aliya Barajas, a senior at McClane High School.

Governor Newsom announces new plan to transform mental health for kids at McClane High School in Fresno

The Children’s Mental Health Master Plan outlines actions across three main pillars:

1. Healthy Minds for California’s Children
   • Providing Medi-Cal Coverage for Parent-Child Services
   • Make it easier for schools to provide prevention and treatment
   • De-stigmatizing child mental health support
   • Provide additional resources for parents
2. Rebuilding California’s Mental Health System
   • Create a new virtual platform
   • Expanding early intervention
   • more school counselors
   • Expansion of Clinics and Treatment Frames
   • develop a suicide prevention program
3. Development of mental health personnel
   • Hire, train and employ 40,000 new mental health workers
   • Extend remote access to services
   • teacher training

The plans announced today will make it easier than ever for children to access essential mental health and substance use services in schools, homes and communities. Read the full Children’s Mental Health Master Plan here.

If you, a friend or loved one has suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 by calling or texting or chatting at 988lifeline.org/.

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