As social workers, mental health providers within the states of the U.S. are well aware of the struggles and challenges faced by residents across California. The communities that are most impacted are those living in rural, underserved, and marginalized communities. The shortage of mental health providers is alarming and profoundly felt, with nearly half of Californians (46%) believing their communities severely lack mental health services, according to the National Association of Social Workers – California Chapter.

Right now, California is facing a significant shortage of qualified mental health providers, leaving countless individuals without the care and support they need. The implementation of AB 427 would enable licensed social workers to provide services to high-needs populations across state lines via telehealth. 

The expansion of mental health access helps fill critical workforce gaps, reducing licensing barriers, and improving access to services across the state. This Compact will enhance the continuity of care for clients who often relocate across state lines, such as veterans, military families, low-income families, and immigrants, by allowing them to continue services via telehealth with their existing social worker. 

This Compact is more than a policy shift, it’s a lifeline. It can help California respond to its mental health crisis by increasing the pool of qualified professionals, while still ensuring clients receive consistent, culturally responsive care. AB 427 promotes culturally responsive care and trust-based relationships. It’s already hard enough for marginalized communities, such as immigrant families, to seek services due to language accessibility, cultural barriers, stigma, and not seeing a familiar face. Once they build that relationship with their provider, disruption to services may further place them in a more vulnerable state. This Compact will prevent any disruptions of restarting services and maintain client relationships especially when finding a culturally aligned provider is difficult. 

Passing AB 427 is a necessary step toward building a more accessible, equitable, and responsive mental health system. By supporting this bill, we can strengthen our communities and ensure that no Californian is left without essential mental health support. 

Sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to pass AB 427 and ensure that every Californian—regardless of where they live—has access to the mental health care they need. 

To learn more about the bill, read the full AB 427 Talking Points by NASW-CA.