East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has announced that Senate Bill 1024, aimed at modernizing mental health services and supervision standards, has been signed into law by Governor Newsom.

“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,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “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.”

SB 1024 addresses critical needs in the mental health sector by expanding and enhancing telehealth services and clarifying supervision standards for psychotherapy licensees. This legislation comes in response to 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.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences stated, “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.”

Senate Bill 1024 modernizes the laws governing psychotherapy licensees by:

- Requiring therapists to provide their license information in the written notice to clients, which is mandatory before initiating psychotherapy services.

- 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.

SB 1024 will go into effect January 1, 2025.