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(California News Service) A new law just took effect in California, giving children on Medi-Cal age 12 and older the right to consent to mental health care on their own.

Before, only young people on private insurance could consent to outpatient mental health services independently of their parents, and only in cases where abuse is suspected or the child is in danger of self-harm.

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Joy Alafia, executive director of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, said there are close to 6 million youths on Medi-Cal.

"For communities of color, we're looking at 61 percent of African American children, 59 percent of Latine children, and 38 percent of Native and Indigenous children who are Medi-Cal recipients," Alafia reported.

Supporters see it as an equity issue, allowing kids to get help for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts regardless of their income. Opponents, including the Pacific Justice Institute, argued the law gives counselors too much power at the expense of parents, particularly parents with traditional religious beliefs regarding gender expression.

Alafia noted a law allowing kids with private insurance to seek mental health care without their parents' consent is about 10 years old now. She explained the new law expands the right to kids on Medi-Cal and still requires parental notification if the child wants to go to an overnight shelter.

"This is about children being able to seek support and it's not an intention to exclude the parents," Alafia emphasized. "Unless there's a concern about safety or harm to the child. Other than those scenarios, there is engagement with the parents as well."

Families in need of mental health assistance can call the California Parent and Youth Helpline at 855-427-2736.