Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson’s AB 2556 Signed into Law, Expanding Behavioral Health Screenings for Youth

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson is proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2556 into law, a positive step forward in supporting the mental health of California’s children and adolescents. This new law mandates that health care service plans and insurers provide annual written or electronic notices to enrollees and insureds about the benefits of behavioral health and wellness screenings for youth ages 8 to 18. These screenings will help identify indicators of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns at an early stage, ensuring timely intervention and support.

In California, youth mental health is a growing concern, and AB 2556 addresses this challenge by promoting proactive measures. With more than one in five youth struggling with mental health issues, early detection can significantly impact their health outcomes, academic performance, and overall well-being. This law encourages families to engage with behavioral health resources, fostering early identification of potential challenges and access to necessary care.

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson emphasized the importance of this legislation:

"Our youth are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and we must take proactive steps to support them. AB 2556 empowers families to address mental health concerns early, providing them with the information they need to access screenings that can save lives. This bill is a victory for every young person in California who deserves the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally."

By providing accessible information and promoting behavioral health and wellness screenings, AB 2556 ensures that more families are aware of the available resources, which will help reduce stigma and encourage early action in addressing mental health concerns.