Capitol Weekly Podcast: California’s Mental Health Crisis

On October 6, 2021 Capitol Weekly presented a conference featuring live panel discussions and presentations via Zoom, examining the topic “California’s Mental Health Crisis.”

We broadcast audio from each of the presentations as individual episodes of the Capitol Weekly Podcast. A program featuring photos and bios of all the participants can be viewed online here.

Panel 1: Origins of California’s Mental Health crisis and Long Term Solutions

Our panelists examine the origins of California’s mental health crisis and discuss long term solutions to the problem.

Moderated Angela Hart of Kaiser Health News
Panelists: Elaine Batchlor, MLK Community Healthcare; former Sen. Jim Beall; Michelle Doty Cabrera, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; Janet Coffman, Healthforce Center at UC San Francisco

Panel 2: Compelling Treatment – Balancing Individual Rights and ‘Grave Disability’

Respecting personal autonomy while providing treatment is one of the most vexing issues in treatment of severe mental illness and addiction. Our panelists look at this legal and ethical balancing act.

Moderated by Sigrid Bathen of Capitol Weekly

Panelists: Bridgette Dean, Sacramento Department of Community Response; Santa Clara County Mental Health Court Judge Stephen Manley; Al Rowlett, Turning Point Community Programs; Brian Stettin, Treatment Advocacy Center

KEYNOTE: Sen. Susan Eggman
Introduced by John Howard, Capitol Weekly

Panel 3: Mental Health in the COVID Era

The CDC reports that many Americans, especially younger adults, minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers, are experiencing negative mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and other impacts as a result of the stresses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will look at how we are addressing these concerns, and what remains to be done.

Moderated by author Dan Morain

Panelists: Jessica Cruz, National Association on Mental Illness; Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency; Paul Marcille, California Psychological Association; Tom Sopp, Long Beach Unified School District