Mental Health

CalMatters and CatchLight are partnering on a three-year initiative to tell powerful stories about mental health in California. We’ll spotlight solutions, personal stories, investigate systems, and bring greater awareness to this historically stigmatized topic. This initiative is supported by:

Enlight Foundation
California Health Care Foundation
Flourish Impact Fund
Lisa Stone Pritzker Family Foundation
Resonance Philanthropies
Sarlo Family Foundation
Sand Hill Foundation
Stuart Foundation

Commentary

Without funding, governor’s CARE Court plan is just an empty gesture

The proposal does nothing to address California’s seriously under-resourced mental health care system.

By Guest Commentary • June 1, 2022

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

Health

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

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.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • April 29, 2022

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

WhatMatters

California lawmakers recess as crises collide

California lawmakers are calling for urgent action on gas tax relief and crime, but it may take a while to see meaningful progress.

By Emily Hoeven • April 8, 2022

Muhammad, who declined to provide his last name, warms his hand at a fire near his tent in Sacramento. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

WhatMatters

Lawmakers double down on mental health reform

Elected officials are zeroing in on mental health reform, as well as gun control, as voters show increasing concern on crime and homelessness.

By Emily Hoeven • April 5, 2022

Commentary

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

California has an opportunity to set a generation on a path to a lifetime of mental wellness, but there is much work to do.

By Guest Commentary • March 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

Justice

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

California law enforcement agencies are embracing new approaches to mental health crisis calls. But some activists still want a solution without police, including volunteers in Nevada County who came together after a fatal shooting.

By Alexei Koseff • March 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

Health

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

The Newsom administration plans to spend $4.4 billion addressing mental health needs among young people. But will it come soon enough?

By Jocelyn Wiener • March 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

WhatMatters

California confronts youth mental health crisis

Youth mental health is taking on more urgency for California policymakers as the pandemic enters its third year

By Emily Hoeven • March 17, 2022

Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at press conference

Health

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

The governor’s new proposal would require all 58 counties to participate in the program to assist people with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

By Jocelyn Wiener • March 3, 2022

Commentary

Mental health crisis calls for a conversation on health care delivery

Our organizations are kicking off a conversation about integrating physical and behavioral health to envision a new health care experience.

By Guest Commentary • February 22, 2022