Position Category: CAYEN

AB 489 (BONTA) Health care professions: deceptive terms or letters: artificial intelligence – Support

April 14th, 2025

The Honorable Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Chair, Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee
1020 N Street, Room 162
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 489 (Bonta)

Dear Chair Bauer-Kahan,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 489 (Bonta), which would prohibit entities from using artificial intelligence (AI) that falsely claim or suggest it is a licensed doctor or healthcare provider to provide advice, care, reports, or assessments. The bill makes it illegal for AI to use certain words, letters, or phrases that imply it is being operated by someone with a valid healthcare license or certificate when it is not.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. With virtual mental health services or tele-health expanding in California, increasing access to youth who are more technologically capable, it is important to ensure that safeguards are in place to ensure accurate information is being shared with youth.

In the early days of social media, youth were warned about the risks of online communication, especially the fear that the person on the other end might not be who they claim to be. Since then, technology has evolved with AI capabilities to ask questions, assign tasks, and generate automated responses, sometimes inaccurate and harmful, based on various algorithms. This danger of not knowing who you are communicating with on the internet still exists. Youth can now use AI to ask questions and seek advice regarding their own mental health challenges; however, many AI responses are not regulated or controlled by an actually practicing, licensed, and certified healthcare provider.

This bill incorporates safeguards to ensure youth are not receiving false and potentially harmful information related to their mental health or substance use challenges. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 489 (Bonta) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

AB 322 (Ward) School-Based Health Services and School-Based Mental Health Services – Support

June 4th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 322 (Ward)

Dear Chair,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 322 (Ward), legislation that would provide guidance to county offices of education and charter schools to establish “Health Days” to provide screenings for common health problems among pupils. This bill would also encourage all schools to participate in programs that offer reimbursement for school-based health services and school-based mental health services.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. One of CAYEN’s top priorities is expanding access to inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-based mental health and substance use services.

Youth throughout California, especially in rural communities, face significant barriers to accessing services. Not all schools have a school-based health center or are located close enough to providers. While school districts already receive information on establishing “Health Days”, AB 322 would help close gaps in care by providing guidance to county offices of education and charter schools. These days provide education to youth about various health problems and allow for proper screenings of common health problems among youth, including mental health. Early identification and intervention can ensure proper services and support are provided, which would result in long-term positive health outcomes.

In addition to designating a specific day for health education and screening, this bill would encourage schools to participate in programs that offer reimbursement for school-based health and mental health services. The California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a five-year initiative that is changing the way California supports children, youth, and families. Through its statewide multi-payer fee schedule for school-linked behavioral health services, Medi-Cal and commercial plans must adhere to set rates for local education agencies and school-affiliated providers. Schools now have the fiscal capabilities to invest and provide services to their youth.

For these reasons, we support AB 322 (Ward) and ask for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

AB 1034 (Ávila Farías) Including Youth Mental Health in Teacher Preparation Programs – Support

June 6th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for AB 1034 (Ávila Farías)

Dear Chair Pérez,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 1034 (Ávila Farías), legislation that would include a basic understanding of youth mental health in a professional preparation program required for teacher credentialing.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. Creating spaces that nurture and support youth so they can access critical mental health and substance use services is vital to the destigmatization revolving around mental health.

The Center for Disease Control released their Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 and found that there was an increase in youth experiencing violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.[1] Since TAY spend a significant portion of their lives at school, a teacher is often the first-person youth seek support from if experiencing mental health challenges. Teachers are also most likely to identify potential challenges youth are experiencing given their daily interactions with them.

The ability to identify youth at risk and link them to support before their mental health or substance use challenge exacerbates will help bridge gaps in access and reduce mental health disparities. This bill ensures teachers will have basic knowledge of youth mental health and will better prepare them to support youth health and wellness.

It is for these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 1034 (Avila Farías) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.

SB 812 (ALLEN) Qualified Youth Drop-In Center Health Care – Support

April 16th, 2025

The Honorable Caroline Menjivar
Chair, Senate Health Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for Senate Bill 812 (Allen)

Dear Chair Menjivar,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Senate Bill 812 (Allen), legislation that would expand coverage of mental health and substance use services provided at qualified youth drop-in centers.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.   

As California continues to expand mental health and substance use services for children and youth, significant barriers such as transportation or uncertainty about how to find care continue to limit access. Youth drop-in centers offer a non-traditional approach to support youth by being available outside of school hours and in some cases off campus. However, the inability of centers to be reimbursed for medically necessary services to youth may prevent youth from accessing services out of fear of being denied if they lack appropriate coverage.

Additionally, when centers are unable to receive reimbursement for the medically necessary services they provide, they are left with two difficult choices: absorb the cost or turn youth away. Both options compromise the center’s sustainability and reduce access for youth in need of services. This bill requires health plans and Medi-Cal to reimburse youth drop-in centers for services delivered, ensuring these safe spaces remain accessible to youth who need them most.

For these reasons, CAYEN supports SB 812 (Allen) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

AB 785 (SHARP-COLLINS) Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program – Support

April 15th, 2025 

The Honorable Mia Bonta  
Chair, Assembly Health Committee  
1020 N Street, Room 390 
Sacramento, CA 95814 

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 785 (Sharp-Collins)

Dear Chair Bonta,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 785 (Sharp-Collins), legislation that would create the Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program, aimed at providing funding for community-driven solutions to decrease violence in neighborhoods and schools. A key component of this grant program is its flexibility to fund enhanced recreation and health-based activities, trauma-informed interventions for youth, and the creation of school-based health centers.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. 

Youth across California are experiencing heightened mental health and substance use challenges due to a variety of external factors related to family, school, and community environment. This bill presents an opportunity to invest in community-based services and support for youth most impacted by violence, gang involvement, trauma, homelessness, poverty, and justice system involvement. This grant’s focus on community-based services ensures that institutions are well resourced and prepared to meet youth where they are and enrich youth lives towards better health outcomes.

For these reasons, CAYEN strongly supports AB 785 (Sharp-Collins) and urges your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

SB 338 (BECKER) Mobile Health for Rural Communities Pilot Program – Support

April 16th, 2025

The Honorable Caroline Menjivar 
Chair, Senate Health Committee 
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Senate Bill 338 (Becker)

Dear Chair Menjivar,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC), the California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) are pleased to support Senate Bill 338 (Becker), legislation that would establish the Mobile Health for Rural Communities Pilot Program with the goal of increasing access to health services, including mental health, for rural communities.

MHAC, CAYEN, and LIVE are dedicated to advancing mental health, wellness, and equity through community-led advocacy, education, and empowerment. By centering the voices of those with lived experience, including youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living with mental health and substance use challenges, we aim to reduce stigma, influence public policy, and create inclusive environments where everyone has access to vital community-based culturally responsive mental health and substance use supports and services.

Access to these services is extremely challenging for individuals in the rural communities, especially youth and the LGBTQ+ community. People often travel for hours for in-person services. Additionally, rural communities lack the appropriate internet infrastructure to support telehealth or virtual services. Senate Bill 338 (Becker) invests in mobile health, bringing services directly to communities in need, reducing barriers to access in-person and virtual health services.

It is for these reasons MHAC, CAYEN, and LIVE support SB 338 (Becker) and respectfully ask for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact MHAC’s Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org, CAYEN’s Public Policy Coordinator Danny Thirakul at dthirakul@mhac.org, or LIVE’s Project Manager Anthony Garibay-Mena at agaribaymena@mhac.org.

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 


Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

Anthony Garibay-Mena 
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment 
Project Manager 

AB 602 (HANEY) Postsecondary Education Substance Use Harm Reduction Policy – Support

April 23rd, 2025

The Honorable Mike Fong
Assembly Higher Education Committee
1020 N Street, Room 173
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 602 (Haney)

Dear Chair Fong,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 602 (Haney), legislation that would establish a harm reduction approach to supporting students in post-secondary education institutions who use substances.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.   

Disciplinary procedures disproportionately impact students of color when substance use among White students are just as high if not higher than their African American and Hispanic counterparts.[1] This unjust application can be remedied by focusing on how to support every student instead of how to punish them. This bill ensures that students won’t be disciplined for seeking medical attention if they are experiencing a drug overdose or seeking medical assistance for someone else experiencing a drug-related overdose. In addition, this bill would require schools to assign an activity to the student, such as participating in meetings with a school counselor or attending a drug education group to ensure proper support for the student without additional sanctions.  

This bill empowers students to freely seek help during a substance use emergency without fear of punishment, while ensuring school can connect them to supportive services. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 602 (Haney) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

[1] McCabe, S. E., Morales, M., Cranford, J. A., Delva, J., McPherson, M. D., & Boyd, C. J. (2007). Race/ethnicity and gender differences in drug use and abuse among college students. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse, 6(2), 75–95.

AB 1034 (ÁVILA FARÍAS) Including Youth Mental Health in Teacher Preparation Programs – Support

April 23rd, 2025

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Assembly Education Committee
1020 N Street, Room 159
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for AB 1034 (Ávila Farías)

Dear Chair Muratsuchi,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 1034 (Ávila Farías), legislation that would include a basic understanding of youth mental health in a professional preparation program required for teacher credentialing.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. Creating spaces that nurture and support youth so they can access critical mental health and substance use services is vital to the destigmatization revolving around mental health.

The Center for Disease Control released their Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 and found that there was an increase in youth experiencing violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.[1] Since TAY spend a significant portion of their lives at school, a teacher is often the first-person youth seek support from if experiencing mental health challenges. Teachers are also most likely to identify potential challenges youth are experiencing given their daily interactions with them.

The ability to identify youth at risk and provide support before their mental health or substance use challenges exacerbates will help bridge gaps in access and reduce mental health disparities. This bill ensures teachers will have basic knowledge of youth mental health and will better prepare them to support youth health and wellness. It is for these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 1034 (Avila Farías) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.

SB 531 (RUBIO) Student Mental Health Education Coalition Support Letter

March 3, 2025

The Honorable Senator Sasha Renée Pérez
Chair, Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support Letter for SB 531 (Rubio) Student Mental Health Education

Dear Senator Pérez,

Our organizations are proud to support Senate Bill 531 by Senator Susan Rubio.

SB 531 will help empower young Californians and destigmatize mental health challenges by requiring all
California students in grades 1-12 be provided with an age-appropriate mental health education.

From the aftereffects of the COVID 19 pandemic, the pervasiveness of social media, and the rise in school threats, to the current fears and traumas California students are experiencing because of recent wildfires and changes in immigration policy, today’s students are confronted by an unprecedented scope of mental health challenges. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Worldwide, mental health challenges are among the leading causes of illness and disability among young people, and in California, about one-third of adolescents have experienced psychological distress.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anxiety problems, behavior disorders, and depressions are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children – and among children ages 3-17 with a current mental health condition, only 53% received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional in the past year. There are gaps in treatment to support youth: 20% of adolescents age 12-17 report having unmet mental health care needs, and 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year. 20% of high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year.

Health literacy, including mental health literacy, can serve as both a risk and protective factor for health and wellbeing. Mental health education is critical to building knowledge and skills to increase awareness, tackle stigma, and encourage help-seeking behavior. Young people spend the majority of their time in schools, and education systems are well-positioned to play an integral role in fostering positive youth development. Schools can help cultivate non-stigmatizing, safe, and supportive environments where youth are informed and able to seek needed mental health care.

SB 531 will ensure that students receive age-appropriate mental health education in elementary, middle, and high schools by amending existing law to include age-appropriate mental health education within the existing requirement that health instruction be taught in grades 1-6, and by requiring that mental health education be taught in grades 7-12.

For these reasons, we are proud to support SB 531.

Sincerely,

Kerry Ahearn
Chief Executive Officer
Aldea

Sarah Bridge
Vice President, Advocacy & Strategy
Association of California Healthcare Districts

Tom Bakaly
Chief Executive Officer
Beach Cities Health District

Mary Jo Ramirez
Executive Director
California Family Life Center

Nazeehah Khan
Policy Director
Californians for Justice

Sergio J. Morales
Executive Director
California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA)

Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator
California Youth Empowerment Network
(CAYEN)

Terry Kim
Director of Government Relations & Advocacy
Children’s Institute

Jeff Farber
Executive Director
Helpline Youth Counseling

Stacey Roth
Chief Executive Officer
Hillsides

Allison Becwar
President & Chief Executive Officer, LCSW
Lincoln Families

Steve Gunther
President & Chief Executive Officer
Maryvale

Alex Briscoe
Principal, Strategy and Systems Change
Public Works Alliance

Lorna Little
President & Chief Executive Officer
St. Anne’s Family Services

Cc: Honorable Members, Senate Education Committee
The Honorable Senator Susan Rubio

Coalition Re: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage Requirements

April 11, 2025

California Department of Insurance

Attn: Stesha Hodges, Assistant Chief Counsel, Kayte Fisher, Attorney V

Health Equity and Access Office
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1700
Sacramento, CA 95814

Via email <CDIRegulations@insurance.ca.gov>

Re: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage Requirements, Article 15.2 (commencing with section 2652.1) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, pursuant to the authority granted by Insurance Code sections 10144.4, 10144.5, 10144.51, 10144.52, 10144.53, and 10144.57

We thank the California Department of Insurance for its ongoing progress towards finalizing its Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity in Health Insurance Rulemaking (REG-2021-00008), to implement Senate Bill 855 (Wiener, Chapter 151, 2020) and Assembly Bill 988 (Bauer-Kahan, Chapter 747, 2022). We are grateful for the Department’s continued engagement with us on numerous issues related to implementation of the law and its drafted regulations. The Department’s proposed Rule lessens the possibility that disability insurers will exploit ambiguities to inappropriately limit insureds’ access to mental health and substance use disorder (MHSUD) care.

We encourage this comprehensive Rulemaking to be finalized as soon as possible and offer support for the Department’s April 3, 2025 additions to its drafted Rulemaking dated May 24, 2024. Specifically, we are supportive of the following key additions, as currently drafted:

  • Network adequacy monitoring. We support the Department’s added clarity as to what an insurer needs to do once someone has requested assistance identifying a health care provider including by adding that if an insurer cannot identify more than three in-network providers, that it must refer the person to those three and notify the Department of the service requested, type of provider, and location. This is an important mechanism for ensuring the Department has proactive insight into possible weakening parts of networks that could lead to or show existing network inadequacies. We applaud the Department for this forward-thinking change which we believe will protect insureds.
  • Defining coordinated specialty care. Providing a definition of Coordinated Specialty Care makes it much harder for insurers to deny or partially deny medically necessary services for individuals experiencing first and early episodes of psychosis. We applaud the Department’s further defining of these life-saving but seldom reimbursed services.

We encourage the swift promulgation of comprehensive regulations. Once promulgated, we encourage the Department to issue notices, bulletins, and/or general opinion letters regarding particular areas of enforcement concern. Our organizations stand ready to assist you in the identification of MH/SUD access issues and comprehensive implementation of the Rule in any way we can.

If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Finke (lauren@thekennedyforum.org). For matters requiring physical or printed communication, please send to 1121 L Street, Sacramento, California 95814 suite #300.

Sincerely,

Adrienne Shilton
California Alliance of Child and Family Services

Robb Layne
California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, Inc

Joy Alafia
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Chad Costello
California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies

Carli Stelzer
California Behavioral Health Association

Tyler Rinde
California Psychological Association

Paul Yoder
California State Association of Psychiatrists

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network

Alison Ivie
REDC Consortium
Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action

Karen Fessel
Mental Health & Autism Insurance Project

Heidi Strunk
Mental Health America of California

Héctor Hernández-Delgado
National Health Law Program

Benjamin Eichert
NUHW

Samia H. Rafeedie
Occupational Therapy Association of California

Randall Hagar
Psychiatric Physicians Alliance of California

Tara Gamboa-Eastman
Steinberg Institute

Lauren Finke
The Kennedy Forum

CC:
Ricardo Lara, Stesha Hodges, Kayte Fisher, Department of Insurance
Senator Scott Wiener
Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan