FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — California teenagers are gaining more access to mental health services, following a new law.
For the past 10 years, youth covered by commercial insurance have been able to seek mental health services on their own.
Starting July 1, teens with Medi-Cal can also access services without their parent’s consent.
“Being able to eliminate the disparities in mental health care access by economic class, enabling young people 12 and older, regardless of income to receive the support that they need is crucial at a time when we know many of our young people are facing mental health challenges,” explained Joy Alafia, executive director for California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
Assembly Bill 665 was authored by Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2023.
Some of its supporters include CAMFT, which has more than 37,000 members.
According to Alafia, the new law will improve mental health outcomes for …