Assemblymember Harabedian’s Bill to Cut Delayed Mental Health Treatment Moves Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, [email protected], (760) 269-9391

Tom Steel, [email protected], (530) 713-7783

Asm Harabedian's Bill to Cut Delayed Mental Health Treatment Moves Forward

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Today, Assembly Bill 1970, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, moving the bill one step closer to becoming law.

AB 1970 would prohibit health insurance plans from requiring patients with serious mental illness or substance use disorders to first fail on other medication before receiving more effective medications recommended by their doctors. The practice, known as step therapy, can delay access to critical care for people struggling with conditions such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder.

For many families, these delays can have devastating consequences. Patients in crisis are often forced to wait weeks or months while navigating insurance requirements instead of receiving the treatment their doctor believes is medically necessary. Advocates say those delays can worsen mental health conditions, increase the risk of hospitalization, and create additional emotional and financial stress for families and individuals already struggling to get help.

"Mental health care should not come with unnecessary barriers," said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). "When someone is experiencing a mental health or substance crisis, every day matters. Patients deserve timely access to the medications their doctors believe will help them stabilize and recover."

The bill comes at a time when California continues to see a growing demand for mental health services and increased awareness around the importance of early and effective treatment.

Under the bill, the prohibition on step therapy would apply to health care service plans and insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

AB 1970 will now move to the Assembly Floor for a vote.

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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.