Bill Aimed at Modernizing Mental Health Services, Supervision Standards Signed Into Law

A bill aimed at aimed at modernizing mental health services and supervision standards was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1024, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), would expand the law on where mental health professionals should display their licenses, adding in that licensees are required to display their license in a conspicuous place in their primary place of practice when rendering professional clinical services in person. This is especially noted for telehealth services. In addition, therapists must also give their license info in written notices to clients, as well as setting a limit on the number of persons a supervisor can oversee for providing clinical mental health services, thereby ensuring that each supervisee receives adequate attention.

Senator Bogh wrote the bill because of many critical needs in the mental health sector and the increased use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a 20-fold rise in telehealth services for mental health needs among individuals with employer-based insurance. By expanding and enhancing telehealth services and clarifying supervision standards for psychotherapy licensees, Senator Bogh hoped that SB 1024 would meet the growing needs of the industry while keeping quality as high as possible.

SB 1024 had a largely unobstructive run throughout the year. Since it was introduced in February, the bill slowly made it’s way through both houses. Every vote was unanimous, but always with some Democratic legislative members opting to not vote. This was most blatant in the Assembly vote in June when the bill passed 75-0, with 4 members abstaining. Despite this, the bill seemed fast tracked. While Governor Gavin Newsom announced his signing of the bill on July 18th, it wasn’t made official until this month.

Senator Ochoa Bogh was the first to react to the signing, saying in a statement on Tuesday that “SB 1024 represents a significant step forward in improving access to mental health services and ensuring the highest standards of supervision for mental health professionals. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters and sponsors of this bill. Your partnership and dedication have been invaluable in making this legislation a reality. Together, we are enhancing the quality of mental health care for all Californians.”

As expected, few contested the signing, with most praising it. This included the Board of Behavioral Sciences who added that “The successful passage of SB 1024 will provide enhanced clarity to two areas of the Board’s licensing law where ambiguity has arisen due to the evolution of the professions. The Board would like to thank Senator Ochoa Bogh and her office, as well as the Board’s stakeholders, for all of their work that made this effort a success.”

Charles Belzer, a therapist, added that “We need this sort of law. During the pandemic, a lot of situations arose when people started doing sessions over Skype or what have you. And not all of them were licensed. This way, it keeps everybody above board and proves that the person you are talking to over the web is a true professional.”

SB 1024 is to become law on January 1, 2025.