(SACRAMENTO, CA) Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D-Milpitas) has introduced legislation to improve access to mental health services for California’s children and young adults. The bill, AB 2022, requires elementary and secondary school campuses to have at least one mental health professional onsite.

“Research shows that our children are not receiving the mental health services they need,” said Assemblymember Chu. “We know that school can be a vital tool to provide these support services. That is why this year I am working to ensure students in California have access to a mental health professional on their respective school campus.”

Assemblymember Chu is partnering with Mental Health America of California (MHAC), the California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN), and the Steinberg Institute on this effort.

“Mental Health America of California prides itself in bringing the voice of lived experience into policy development,” said Zima Creason, President & CEO of MHAC. “The idea that led to this bill came directly from youth ages 15 – 26 participating in the California Youth Empowerment Network, a program of MHAC. The youth are telling us what they want.  They want people at school to support their mental wellness. We need to honor youth as the experts of their own experience and deliver on this request. This is how we can make major strides in prevention and early intervention.”