Mental Health - CalMatters

Elizabeth Lomeli reads to her daughter, Gisselle, at their home in Pacoima on April 23, 2022. Photo by Da'Shaunae Marisa for CalMatters. children mental health

Children and Youth

California’s youngest children need more mental health support, advocates say in request for funding

by Elizabeth Aguilera April 29, 2022April 29, 2022

The mental health of children under 5 has typically been overlooked when it comes to state funding. Advocates aim to change that by asking for $250 million to support the youngest Californians.

A 76 gas station in Sacramento on March 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California lawmakers recess as crises collide

by Emily Hoeven April 8, 2022April 8, 2022

Lawmakers double down on mental health reform

by Emily Hoeven April 5, 2022April 5, 2022

mental health

The need for bold action to address our children’s mental health

by Guest Commentary March 30, 2022March 30, 2022

Nevada County Mobile Crisis Team member Ernesto Alvarado talks to a woman who alleges her son assaulted her while suffering from mental health issues in Penn Valley on March 15, 2022. Photo by Max Whittaker for CalMatters

Criminal Justice

‘People don’t think clearly in crisis:’ California law enforcement turns to mental health clinicians on toughest 911 calls

by Alexei Koseff March 28, 2022March 28, 2022

Amanda Arellano, 17, left, and her mother Maria, right, at a park near their home in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2022. Amanda said she believes schools need to focus more are helping students with mental health struggles that have been caused by the pandemic. “Especially those with special needs, we are the community who have been much more impacted, especially with physical and mental problems,” she said. Amanda has autism, cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Amanda said the start of the pandemic had more positives because it brought more resources for distance learning and the schools had more resources for mental health, but she feels that those things have faded with time and with classes now being in-person again. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

When children suffer: California to funnel billions into mental health overhaul

by Jocelyn Wiener March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

Amanda Arellano, 17, is pictured at a park near her home in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2022. Amanda said she believes schools need to focus more are helping students with mental health struggles that have been caused by the pandemic. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

California confronts youth mental health crisis

by Emily Hoeven March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at press conference

Newsom’s ‘new strategy’ would force some homeless, mentally ill Californians into treatment

by Jocelyn Wiener March 3, 2022March 3, 2022

health care

Mental health crisis calls for a conversation on health care delivery

by Guest Commentary February 22, 2022February 18, 2022

Edward El is currently staying at the Radisson Hotel on Edes Ave. in Oakland as part of Project Roomkey but will soon be moving into his own apartment after spending the better part of 16 years homeless. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

California launches ambitious effort to transform Medi-Cal to ‘whole person care’

by Kristen Hwang February 14, 2022February 14, 2022