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STATE BRIEFS: Experts offer strategies, local resources to ease back-to-school anxiety

SAN DIEGO

ivpressonline.com · Aug 29, 2026

California Just Expanded Free School Benefits for Kids — Here’s What Families Get - edhat

California has unveiled universal transitional kindergarten, free school meals, and expanded academic and mental health support for students.

Kaetlyn Liddy · Aug 20, 2026

California’s historic investment in youth behavioral health delivers results across the state | Governor of California

gov.ca.gov · Jun 29, 2026

This Father’s Day, Governor Newsom celebrates 1,905% growth in California fathers taking bonding leave to care for newborns | Governor of California

gov.ca.gov · Jun 19, 2026

California Love, California Strong Takes Initiative to Support Youth Mental Health

Children are our greatest treasures – all beautifully unique, and all in need of loving protection. After all, a healthy childhood is the foundation for building healthy adults and healthy […]

Diana Martinez and Alejandro JSM Chavez · May 14, 2026

Expanding access to behavioral health care for California’s children and youth

or years, young people across the United States have faced worsening behavioral health outcomes, including rising rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral crises. Systems across the country, largely designed to respond after emergencies occur, often struggle to provide consistent, preventive support, resulting in many children not receiving the help they need.

McKinsey & Company · May 13, 2026

BrightLife Kids and Soluna 2025 Impact Report

In just two years, BrightLife Kids and Soluna have provided more than 500,000 children, youth, and families across California with free behavioral health support. BrightLife Kids and Soluna are core components of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), helping families and young people get timely, confidential support—without the financial, logistical, or stigma-related barriers that too often prevent access to quality behavioral health care.

State of California · Apr 16, 2026

Altadena Now » PUSD Students Can Still Access Free Mental Health Support During Spring Break

Families seeking mental health support for a PUSD (Pasadena Unified School District) student during or after spring break can contact the district’s mental health services team at (626) 396-5920 or mentalhealth@pusd.us.

altadena-now.com · Apr 1, 2026

California Education and Health Leaders Call on Schools to Integrate Soluna Into Student Mental Health Services

Sacramento, CA, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California’s education and health leaders are calling on schools and districts statewide to integrate...

Kooth Soluna · Mar 24, 2026

‘Sound Body Sound Mind’: $2.2M allocated to mental health program for people impacted by wildfires

The state is providing $2.2 million in funding for the UCLA Sound Body Sound Mind program, which will support the deployment of proven mental health interventions in communities impacted by

LA Downtown News Staff · Feb 9, 2026

Governor Newsom announces new funding through LA Rises to support youth mental health for LA firestorm survivors | Governor of California

gov.ca.gov · Feb 4, 2026

Episode 245: Practical Strategies for Parenting Sensitive Kids With Empathy and Patience with Irene Biscante — Laura Froyen, PhD

Parenting is full of moments that leave us wondering what our kids are trying to tell us—especially when big feelings show up as challenging behavior. In this week’s episode of The Balanced Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Irene Biscante, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and behavio

Laura Froyen · Feb 4, 2026

California Commits to Long-Term Recovery and Enhanced Mental Health Support One Year After LA Firestorms

Gov. Newsom and California officials focus on mental health and community resilience in the ongoing recovery from LA firestorms.

hoodline.com · Jan 9, 2026

Un año después de los incendios de Los Ángeles continúa con la recuperación estatal y el apoyo a la salud conductual - Uniradio Informa Baja California

Gavin Newsom reafirmó el compromiso del estado con un enfoque de todo el gobierno para la recuperación, priorizando la salud mental y la resiliencia de la comunidad.

Redacción · Jan 8, 2026

Support Your Child’s Mental Health: Medi-Cal Covers Therapy, Medication, and More - The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

When children struggle emotionally, it can affect every part of their lives at home, in school, with friends, and even their physical health.

California Black Media · Dec 10, 2025

California Warns Families to Watch Out for Teens as Character.AI Shuts Off Chatbot Access | KQED

The state’s public advisory comes as Bay Area artificial intelligence company Character.AI finalizes a ban on the use of its AI companions by children.

@adembosky · Nov 25, 2025

State Highlights Mental Health Resources for California Youth Amid Changes to Access to AI Chatbots

The California Department of Public Health is uplifting resources in response to upcoming changes in access to certain companion chatbots for individuals under 18. State public health leaders recognize that some young people may rely on a variety of digital tools for connection and support and may experience mixed reactions to these changes.

Office of Communications media@cdph.ca.gov · Nov 24, 2025

Fire Next Time Part 3: Southern California Wildfires Take Physical and Mental Toll on Residents

Southern California residents grapple with the physical and mental health impacts of urban fires and wildfires. Research shows that inhaling wildfire smoke can be toxic, with nearly three million adults experiencing a wildfire in the past two years. #californiawildfires #urbanfires #wildfiresmoke #mentalhealthimpact

breanna-reeves · Oct 15, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Legislation Requiring Student ID Cards in California’s Public Middle Schools, High Schools, and Colleges to Include Phone Number for the Trevor Project, a Leading Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline for LGBTQ Youth

What you need to know: AB 727 ensures LGBTQ students have access to crisis and suicide prevention support by adding resources to public school ID cards. October 11, 2025 - LOS ANGELES – On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he signed AB 727 into law, requiring student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a leading crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), comes as the Trump administration removes LGBTQ suicide prevention programs and funding. AB 727 builds on California’s 2018 suicide prevention ID card law by adding a targeted, affirming resource for LGBTQ students – many of whom face elevated risk for mental health challenges due to verbal, physical, and online harassment. According to the Trevor Project, 35% of LGBTQ youth in California seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half who wanted mental health care did not receive it. AB 727 ensures these students don’t just have support in theory – they have it in hand, every day. “Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen for who they are. While some in Washington turn their backs on LGBTQ youth, California is choosing compassion over cruelty. AB 727 makes it clear: your identity doesn’t disqualify you from care and community – it’s exactly why we are fighting to make it easier to reach.” Governor Gavin Newsom “When Donald Trump and the federal government turn their backs on LGBTQ+ youth, California steps up,” said Assemblymember González. “With the signing of AB 727, we’re sending a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued, and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for standing with us to protect and affirm every young person in California.” The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth. Their hotline provides 24/7 confidential and secure services by trained counselors to youth who seek mental health support through chat, text, or call – making it a reliable resource for all. The Trevor Project is also an avenue for advocacy, education, peer support, and research for the LGBTQ community. Their services reach all parts of the nation and contribute to the larger fight for more inclusive communities. In July, California announced a new partnership with the Trevor Project to provide the state’s 988 crisis counselors enhanced competency training from experts, ensuring better attunement to the needs of LGBTQ youth, on top of the specific training they already receive. Breaking the stigma Mental health services are crucial to ensure that LGBTQ young people feel supported and seen by those around them. LGBTQ youth often experience higher rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society, demonstrating the need for services that provide mental health support. In 2024, 56% of LGBTQ young people in California experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mental health care is critical for overall well-being, especially for youth. LGBTQ young people in schools should be equipped with the resources necessary to thrive, and providing the Trevor Project hotline is a positive step in this direction. California mental health resources AB 727 aligns with California’s broader work and commitment to preventive mental health care under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, an effort to build a more coordinated, equitable mental health system for youth statewide. In California, there are 11 centers that have trained crisis counselors to respond to 988 calls/chats/texts from help seekers needing support during behavioral health crises. Additionally, California offers digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families via CalHOPE for non-crisis moments. The CalHOPE warm line connects callers to peer counselors who listen with compassion, provide non-judgmental support, and guide callers to additional mental health resources. Through CalHOPE, the state has partnered with BrightLife Kids and Soluna to provide free support to children, youth, and families who seek to address concerns before they become crises. These resources are available regardless of insurance, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All care providers on these platforms undergo specific training to work with LGBTQ youth and their families. For full text of AB 727, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Source: Office of the Governor

goldrushcam.com · Oct 11, 2025

Newsom firma ley para ampliar acceso a salud mental de jóvenes LGBTQ - Uniradio Informa

La AB 727 garantiza que los estudiantes LGBTQ tengan acceso a apoyo para la prevención del suicidio y en situaciones de crisis al agregar recursos a las tarjetas de identificación de las escuelas públicas.

Sourtech · Oct 10, 2025

California Enhances LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Support with New Law on World Mental Health Day

California's AB 727, mandated by Governor Newsom, requires student IDs to include LGBTQ youth mental health resources, notably The Trevor Project's crisis line.

hoodline.com · Oct 10, 2025

Marking World Mental Health Day, Governor Newsom signs AB 727 to make mental health resources more accessible to LGBTQ youth | Governor of California

gov.ca.gov · Oct 10, 2025

For Your Health: Mental health care for children critical today

Caring for our mental health is important at all stages of life. It is especially pivotal for the youngest, most vulnerable members of our community.

Dr. Jeff Ribordy · Sep 21, 2025

First Partner meets with farm communities, immigrant support groups in the Inland Empire | Governor of California

gov.ca.gov · Jul 8, 2025

How to help kids cope with ongoing ICE raids, deportations | Quick Guide

Families can prepare a tool kit to safeguard kids and their mental health this summer.

Vani Sanganeria · Jun 25, 2025

Pediatric Mental Health Leader Brightline Honored with 2025 MedTech Breakthrough Award for Best Mental Health Solution Provider

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 13, 2025--Brightline, the leading pediatric mental health solution supporting kids, teens, and their parents, today announced it has been named the "Best Overall Mental Health Solution Provider" in the 2025 MedTech Breakthrough Awards. The MedTech Breakthrough Awards are among the industry’s most competitive, highlighting companies that drive meaningful progress in medical technology, including past winners Teladoc Health, Medtronic, and Phillips.

Business Wire · May 13, 2025

California Department of Health Care Services offers new free mental health support platforms to youth

Early this year, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched the behavioral health virtual service platforms Soluna and BrightLife Kids as part of a $4.6 billion dollar investment to address behavioral health among youth. Both platforms were launched in January and are being entirely funded by the DHCS as part of the CalHOPE...

Arianna Caramagno · Nov 7, 2024

Free mental health apps provide 24/7 help for teens and young children across California

These two apps provide mental health help for young kids and teens 24/7 for free, and they include community forums, chat-based one-on-one coaching and age-tailored videos and podcasts.

Phillip Palmer · May 11, 2024

California Launches New Mental Health-based Apps for Families and Youth

As part of the new CalHope program, two apps provide help for young people struggling with mental health.

Erick Trevino · Apr 30, 2024

California offers free mental health services for kids and families with new apps. Here’s how

You don’t need medical insurance to access the apps.

Angela Rodriguez · Apr 16, 2024

Youth mental health help is now just a tap away

California youth and their families seeking mental health help will now find resources just a tap away with the statewide launch of two free mobile apps this month.

Special to the Courier · Jan 31, 2024

Inside California’s Free Digital Health Platforms Supporting Child Mental Health - MedCity News

The California Department of Health Care Services launched the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform last week. The platform includes two digital health solutions: BrightLife Kids (developed by Brightline) for parents/caregivers and kids ages 0 to 12 and Soluna (developed by Kooth) for teens and young adults ages 13 to 25.

Marissa Plescia · Jan 25, 2024

California launches free apps offering youth mental health services

California has launched new digital tools to help support youth mental health.

@abc7newsbayarea · Jan 19, 2024

State launches new, free mental health resources for California kids and teens

The state of California is now offering free mental health resources to kids, teens and their caregivers with the launch of two, new digital platforms.

Lee Anne Denyer · Jan 18, 2024

California’s first Social Health Council launched to strengthen community connection

A new state effort is taking on the loneliness epidemic.

Lake County News Reports

California con Amor, California es Fuerte - Radio Bilingüe

radiobilingue.org