May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance that began in 1949 to spotlight and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. A state commission estimates one in five Californians faces unmet mental health needs.

Your healthcare provider can explain your options if you contact them. However, here is a list of free services readily available 24/7 by phone or text:

• 988 Lifeline
  • Launched two summers ago to replace the ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Line, this national network of local crisis centers provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
• CA Warm Line: 1-855-600-WARM (9276) and CalHOPE Warm Line: 1-833-317-HOPE (4673)
  • Warm Lines aim to serve people who need help before they reach a boiling point. Callers/texters are connected with people who have persevered through their own struggles with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other conditions. Peer counselors listen with compassion, providing non-judgmental support and additional resources to cope with individual situations.

I'm proud to have led recent efforts to secure $30 million from the California budget for the two Warm Lines. For more tailored resources geared toward specific demographics, like seniors, veterans, young people, LGBTQ+ community members and more, please visit the California Department of Public Health's website.

We've also made additional investments in schools and community groups to make sure mental health services are more accessible. Plus, the state is implementing CalAIM, which improves and simplifies the use of behavioral health services for lower-income Californians on Medi-Cal.

Mental wellbeing is part of our overall wellbeing, and help is available when you need it.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District