FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, May 2, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Assemblymember Harabedian Pushes for Real Action to Address Access to Care
(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Today, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D - Pasadena) recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month and the millions of Californians struggling with mental health conditions.
As mental health needs continue to rise across the state, Assemblymember Harabedian urges California to prioritize equitable access to mental health care.
Through his legislation, Assemblymember Harabedian has focused on expanding access to behavioral health care and addressing barriers that lead to delays in effective treatment. In practice, these delays too often result in avoidable traumatic crises and costly hospitalizations.
Earlier this year, he introduced AB 1970, legislation that would prohibit health care service plans and insurers from imposing step therapy requirements, commonly known as “fail first” policies, for prescription drugs used to treat serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorder (SUD). Under fail first protocols, patients must try and fail on an insurer preferred medication before accessing the treatment originally prescribed by their provider. By eliminating these barriers, the bill ensures timely access to clinically appropriate medications, prioritizing patient stability and continuity of care while reducing the risk of worsening health outcomes.
In addition, last year along with Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Harabedian introduced AB 1032: The Wildfire Trauma Recovery and Resiliency Act, which would require health care insurers to cover 12 additional visits with a licensed behavioral health provider for residents affected by wildfires. Although vetoed by the Governor, he looks forward to working with the Governor and stakeholders to keep fighting for access to care for those facing mental health impacts due to the wildfires.
“Although May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness month, merely spreading awareness is not enough. We must continue taking action by advancing meaningful policies that remove unnecessary barriers to care and ultimately reduce stigma around this topic,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
