"Access to mental health services should not be dependent on your family's income," Manny Rutinel says.
That's why he and fellow Colorado lawmaker Kyle Brown have introduced a bill that would make the state's I Matter program, which provides free virtual counseling to kids, permanent.
The House Health & Human Services Committee passed the bill Wednesday by a vote of 9-4, the Denver Post reports.
"This program has helped over 11,000 kids receive therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges," Brown says in a press release.
"With this legislation, we can ensure that kids in every corner of our state can seek the care and resources they need."
The program, which was established in the 2021 legislative session, connects kids with a licensed mental health therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions.
It's currently set to be repealed in 2024, but the bill would make it permanent to "ensure that kids in every corner of our state can seek the care and resources they need," Rutinel says.
"Access to mental health services should not be dependent on your family's income," Brown adds.
"Our bill breaks down barriers that prevent kids from accessing the mental health care they need, so our kids
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