California Mental Health Director Resigns Amid Controversy

Toby Ewing Steps Down Amid Accusations

Toby Ewing, executive director of California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, is stepping down. His resignation comes amid some controversy. It was revealed that he accepted travel support from a state contractor while fighting to prevent budget cuts that would have affected the company’s contract.

Effective November 22, Ewing’s resignation marks the end of some tense times. He was placed on paid administrative leave in September and his resignation comes after an intense, closed hearing.

Behind Closed Doors

Ewing’s departure was announced after a four-hour private session of the mental health commission. His exit came on the heels of some heavy public criticism. Advocates for mental health services accused the commission and Ewing of prioritizing businesses over individuals who struggle with mental health and substance use issues.

Understandably, this sparked some outcry. The commission is an independent body. Its task is to ensure that funds from a millionaire’s tax are being used rightly for mental health services. But some vocal critics have called out the perceived prioritization of corporations.

Kooth’s Contract Raises Eyebrows

Last year, Kooth, a London-based company focused on digital mental health, landed a four-year, $271 million contract. The deal sought the company’s help in developing Soluna, a free mental health app for Californian users aged 13-25.

Despite launching in January, the app struggled to gain users. By May, the state proposed a $140 million budget cut for the apps. Legislators even considered terminating the entire program. This was part of a strategy to save the state $360 million due to California’s $45 billion deficit. Somewhere along the way, Kooth’s app funding was restored. Ewing was linked to the restoration efforts, raising more public concerns.

Influential Trips and Budget Restorations

Suspicion was fueled further when it was found that Ewing, along with some other commissioners, traveled to London. Kooth footed the $15,000 bill for Ewing’s and other commissioners’ travel expenses. While in London, it came to light that Kooth’s app funding was restored. Ewing even suggested improvements to Kooth’s teletherapy app via email, which led to more questions about conflict of interest.

The Commission Pushes Back

During the commission meeting, Steve Carnevale, a fellow commissioner, suggested that the Newsom administration had requested the commission’s involvement in legislative budget negotiations. He defended the London trip as a successful platform for idea exchange. Despite this, there is significant public perception that conflict of interest was at play.

Slow Uptake and Stock Drops

The mental health apps have not been a resounding success in the state. Kooth paid based on the number of app users. However, as of May, only about 20,000 users had registered. Kooth’s stock took a big hit, falling about 20% after the news about Ewing’s resignation and the controversy surrounding the restoration of the app funding.

Future of Mental Health Services

With Ewing’s resignation, the commission’s future approach to mental health services remains uncertain. The situation has raised questions about favoritism, conflict of interest, and the importance of public transparency in dealing with mental health issues. The commission, stripped of its executive director, will have to reassess its priorities and actions in light of these recent controversies.

It’s a reminder of the critical role stakeholders play in handling mental health services. The onus is on them to strike a balance between supporting advantageous business partnerships and prioritizing the people they serve. The need for transparency and balanced action seems more important now than ever before.

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