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Assemblywoman Christy Smith Announces Mental Health Bill Moves Forward

Assemblywoman Christy Smith announced Assembly Bill (AB) 769 has moved forward to the Appropriations Committee in an effort to eliminate inequities between mental health providers.

“There is so much we need to do to ensure folks in our community struggling with mental health issues are afforded the resources and services they need,” Smith said. “This bill would address the gaps in our healthcare workforce and support people throughout California, especially in rural and remote areas.”

Currently, psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are eligible for reimbursement for services they provide.

AB 769 would include Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) into the Medi-Cal reimbursement system.

LPCCs offer both mental health and substance abuse treatment. These clinical counselors currently provide service to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) without reimbursement, according to officials.

Smith’s mental health bill plans to eliminate the disincentive for the hiring of LPCCs by Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Centers.

“I am proud to author AB 769, which properly recognizes LPCCs for the incredible work they do for our communities,” Smith said. “I’m hopeful this bill will create avenues for Californians to prioritize mental health.”

AB 769 enjoyed bipartisan, unanimous support from the Health Committee and now heads to the Appropriations Committee for a vote, according to an official statement.


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Assemblywoman Christy Smith Announces Mental Health Bill Moves Forward

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About David Melnarik

David Melnarik was born and raised in Santa Clarita, graduating from Hart Senior High School in 2014. David is currently a Video and News intern at KHTS with plans to complete his Associates Degree of Arts in filmmaking at College of the Canyons in Spring 2019.