Dear Member of Congress:
Everyone should have access to mental health services they need, especially our youth. We urge you to address the crisis that our children are facing.
To effectively address the ongoing crisis in child and adolescent mental and behavioral health, a coordinated and sustained approach is necessary for the well-being of our country. Collaboration among federal agencies is also essential in establishing a comprehensive system of care to address mental and behavioral health needs for infants, children, and adolescents across the continuum. Specifically, they should include the following principles:
- Accessibility: Mental health services should be accessible to everyone who needs them, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
- Inclusivity: Outreach programs should be inclusive of diverse communities, taking into account factors like language, culture, and identity.
- Collaboration: Mental health outreach efforts should be collaborative, involving a range of stakeholders, including mental health professionals, community organizations, and government agencies.
- Evidence-based: Outreach efforts should be grounded in evidence-based practices that are proven to be effective in supporting mental health.
- Person-centered: Mental health services should be tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of each person, recognizing that mental health is a complex and multifaceted issue.
To truly ensure our children and families are able to get the treatment they need when they have mental health issues, we need your support. We urge you to take action to address the mental health crisis!
Sincerely,