Alisal School Board Approved LGBTQ+ Mental Health Pact
The board voted 4-1 to bring specialized mental health services to students within the district.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Autism
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The Alisal Union School District Board has approved a partnership with Monterey County Behavioral Health to provide LGBTQ+ mental health services. This initiative aims to bolster student support through on-campus clinical resources.
Why it matters
The program is designed to improve the support provided to students by offering professional care in a familiar environment. It specifically targets the mental health needs of youth by providing direct clinical access on campus.
The Rainbow Connections Program receives $7.8 million in funding over five years to support youth ages 24 and under. A clinician will visit the district weekly to manage a maximum of five active cases at once.
The players
Alisal Union School District Board
This local governing body is responsible for setting policies and managing administrative agreements for schools in Salinas.
Monterey County Behavioral Health
This agency provides mental health services and oversees public health initiatives across the county.
Jesús Velásquez
He is a trustee of the Alisal Union School District Board who cast the sole opposing vote against the agreement.
The details
The newly approved partnership includes consultation, individual and family therapy, affirming services, and professional referrals. A clinician will work directly with district staff and provide services to students at no cost.
Timeline
The Rainbow Connections Program originally began in 2023.
The agreement failed to pass on September 16, 2026, in a 2-1-2 vote.
The board approved the final agreement on October 7, 2026, with a 4-1 vote.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the broader regional push to integrate mental health services directly into educational environments. It marks a shift toward proactive, specialized care that addresses the mental health needs of students within their own school community.
Eligible students in the district can now access therapy, consultations, and affirming mental health services directly on campus. These services are provided at no cost to the students or their families.
The takeaway
The implementation of this program underscores the importance of school-based clinical access for youth mental health. Residents can benefit from these increased resources as the district integrates professional care into the weekly school routine.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Salinas Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Monterey County NOW.
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