Assemblymember Roger Hernández Works to Protect Consumers Seeking Mental Health Services

(Sacramento, CA) – Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 956, authored by Assemblymember Roger Hernández (D – San Gabriel Valley), which would require Marriage and Family Therapy Interns (MFTI) to fully disclose their intern status when advertising their services.

"I want to thank Governor Brown for signing this legislation into law," said Assemblymember Hernández.  "Marriage and family therapists play a critical role in the treatment of those seeking mental health services.  This law will provide consumers with important disclosures to make informed decisions when choosing a provider."

In the wake of challenging economic times where California is seeing the highest level of unemployment, people are at greater risk for depressive disorders and may want to seek mental health services.  In Los Angeles County, there has been a significant increase of 50 percent for reported depression during the past decade.

AB 956 was introduced by Assemblymember Hernández in response to an increasing number of reported incidents of MFTIs failing to disclose their intern status when advertising their services.  This would allow those who seek mental health treatment from MFTIs are aware that they are still in the process of receiving their licenses to practice.

For more information on AB 956, please click here.