The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services convened on April 17, 2023, to address pressing issues surrounding mental health services in California. A significant focus of the meeting was the urgent need to transform the current mental health system, which many participants argued is inadequate in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis, particularly among youth.

One key speaker emphasized that the approach to mental health should mirror the aggressive response seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. They pointed out that during the pandemic, traditional barriers were dismantled to meet urgent needs, such as vaccination efforts. In contrast, the current mental health system remains rigid, with services often being voluntary rather than mandatory. This inconsistency raises questions about the state's commitment to treating mental health as a true crisis.

The speaker highlighted alarming statistics, noting that within a single healthcare system, 40 staff members had left due to the overwhelming demands placed on the system. They expressed concern that the current methods of funding and providing mental health services are insufficient, stating, "we're still trying to fit mental health into current systems instead of transforming the systems itself."

The discussion also touched on the need for flexibility in service delivery to accommodate diverse cultural and geographical needs across the state. The speaker urged that funding should not be conditional but rather a necessity to ensure that mental health services are effectively delivered to those in need.

As the meeting concluded, there was a clear call to action for lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize mental health with the same urgency as public health crises like COVID-19. The speaker warned that without significant changes, the same issues would be revisited in future meetings, underscoring the critical need for immediate and transformative action in California's mental health services.