Assemblymember Berman Secures Funding for Youth Mental Health Resources

• Isabelle Grassel
• Communications/Legislative Assistant
• (916) 319-2023
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) joined with his colleague Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) to secure $5 million for allcove youth mental health centers in the 2026-27 Budget.

allcove centers are a statewide network of youth-designed, youth-centered mental health and wellbeing hubs, serving young people ages 12-25. These centers provide low-barrier, walk-in access to integrated mental health and substance use services, peer support, care coordination, and school and community connections in a developmentally appropriate, stigma-free setting.

In the 23rd Assembly District, allcove Palo Alto has served the community since June 2021 and allcove Half Moon Bay is planning to open for social engagement in Summer 2026, with mental health support launching in the Fall.

"Youth in California are facing a serious mental health crisis, and resources like the allcove youth mental health centers provide vital care and support services to young people in our community and across the state," said Assemblymember Marc Berman. "These allcove centers offer a proven, community-anchored model that serves as a trusted access point for young people. I am proud to have secured $5 million in the 2026-27 state budget for allcove centers to continue providing life-changing care for young people across California."

Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10-25 in California, and rates have increased over the last two decades. Year after year, more youth die by suicide than motor vehicle accidents.

"As a school psychiatrist, I've watched too many students struggle to find timely and accessible mental health support. This funding for the allcove program- born out of Stanford's own research into what young people actually need from mental health care - gives a 12-year-old or a 22-year-old a place to walk in and be met with care, not a waitlist. This funding doesn't just expand a program; it will also support implementation and oversight, and save young lives across California," said Shashank V. Joshi, MD, Professor and Director of School Mental Health at Stanford University.

During his 10 years in the California State Legislature, Assemblymember Berman has championed youth mental health policy to ensure California continues to provide accessible resources to young people who may be struggling.

"I am grateful to Assemblymember Berman for delivering this critical financial support, which will help ensure future sustainability of these vibrant and innovative youth mental health and wellbeing centers. Many young people and families who have enthusiastically advocated for allcove center support and expansion statewide are thankful for his tremendous efforts on their behalf," said Steven Adelsheim, MD, the Director of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing team that brought the allcove model to California and oversees program implementation statewide.

In 2018, Assemblymember Berman secured $1.7 million in state funding to create a suicide prevention training offered to middle and high school students as well as school staff including administrators and teachers. With this funding, more than 20,000 students and school staff were able to complete this online evidence-based program and gain the necessary tools and insights to identify and support vulnerable youth effectively.

This year, he is authoring Assembly Bill 2003, to ensure that suicide prevention training is permanent and free for young people 13 and older and expand the training to be available to all K-12 teachers, administrators, and parents. AB 2003 passed out of the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support and now awaits Governor Newsom's signature.

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Contact: [email protected]