A woman with glasses and wavy, shoulder-length hair, smiling while sitting on a red sofa with throw pillows, using a silver laptop in a sunlit room with wooden window frames and a decorative wall shelf.

GOVERNOR KOTEK:

PROTECT LIFESAVING VIRTUAL CARE

What’s At Stake

Oregonians are resilient, but right now, our state is hurting. We are currently facing a mental health emergency that impacts our most at-risk communities. The statistics are more than just numbers; they represent our neighbors, families, and friends.

#1 in Need, Last in Care

Oregon has the highest prevalence of mental illness in the nation, yet we consistently rank near the bottom for access to care.

Widespread Struggle

30% of Oregon adults are navigating a mental health challenge.

Lives Lost

Oregon’s suicide rate is consistently above the national average. Tragically, it is now the second leading cause of death for young adults in the state.

Ashley’s Story

Silhouettes of two people walking on a coastal area under a large bridge at sunset, with the sun setting over the ocean and a cloudy sky in the background.

The Solution

Oregonians both need and deserve access to quality mental health care regardless of their zip code or income. Telehealth is critical. Virtual mental health care is not a “backup” option; it is a proven, effective lifeline for Oregonians who live in rural communities, can’t afford in-person care, or prefer the flexibility of a virtual-first approach.

The Oregon Health Authority and Governor Kotek have a fundamental responsibility to protect and expand access to virtual health care. Policy decisions made today will determine if thousands of Oregonians in crisis get lifesaving help. We need our leaders to prioritize telehealth as a permanent, protected pillar of our healthcare system.

Take Action

If Oregon decides to backtrack on its support of tele-behavioral health, it would leave thousands of our state’s most vulnerable patients without options for care. With the lifesaving virtual mental healthcare services at risk, we need to make our voices heard and tell state leaders to do everything in their power to protect them.

Thank you for standing with Oregonians most in need at this critical moment.

Please submit your information to send a message to Governor Kotek and other state leaders.

A young man with glasses and a denim shirt smiling and waving while sitting on a sofa with a laptop in front of him, in a home setting with plants and bookshelves in the background.

Testimonials

“Those of us that are in need of services, but have transportation issues, rely on online therapy. Removing this option will cause incalculable harm.”

— Jennifer S

"Charlie Health was extremely valuable to me and a life changing experience during one of the toughest times of my life. The weekly online sessions helped me feel a part of a community and sharing with others and receiving positive encouragement and feedback from other clients helped me immensely.”

– Emma S.

“It gave me space to start recovering, and so far has been the only positive group that I've been able to join during my time in Oregon.”

– Travis A.

“Telehealth isn't just great for people with social challenges or remote areas; it serves underprivileged and disabled members of the community. Someone bedbound or housebound due to physical ailments is worthy and deserving of mental health treatment and support, too.”

– Lou S.

“This virtual outpatient program made it possible for me to get care when I truly needed it. At the time, I was not functioning well enough to manage in-person treatment, and the ease of access removed a huge barrier.

Being able to attend from home allowed me to actually show up and stay engaged. Without the virtual option, I likely would not have gotten care at all and may have ended up in the ER instead.”

– Andrea D.

“For most of my life, I have battled depression. It reached a point where I was self-harming, not respecting myself, and wanting to die as a way out of this world.

Charlie Health was my last resort and the start of something healthier and new.

Because it was virtual, I felt more at ease sharing, bonding, and exploring why I felt the way I did.”

– Crystal G.

“Charlie Health saved my life… I would be absolutely devastated if I lost access to this amazing resource, as would anyone who has found a reason to live through the Charlie Health program.”

– Emily R.

“Charlie Health helped my daughter so much after her hospitalization. It was extra support when weekly therapy was not enough. She still enjoys and benefits from the alumni groups.”

– Victoria T.

“Living in rural Eastern Oregon, my nearest intensive outpatient resource for mental health was over three hours away. Then I found Charlie Health. I have since graduated their program and am once again thriving in life. Please keep this option available for all of us outside of Oregon’s metropolitan northwest.”

– McKenzie R.

“Being able to get care in my own home has been life changing, even life saving. I have agoraphobia and would not have been able to get treatment had I not been able to from my home. So many others are the same, please don’t take this option away! It has and will truly save lives. It saved mine.”

– Elizabeth B.

“I can honestly say, Charlie Health is what got me through the worst mental health crisis of my life.”

– Tori F.

“I was suicidal and wouldn't leave the house. Without Charlie Health and telemedicine I would likely not be here today.”

– Brenda H.

“I was in dire need of a mental health intervention like an IOP, and none of the physical ones in my area took my insurance. Without virtual care I would have been paying $10,000 out of pocket. I am only in the place I am today because of access to virtual IOP.”

– Jessica H.

“Considering the fact that mental healthcare in Oregon, especially rural Oregon, is so lacking, it is impossible to overstate how valuable Charlie Health has been for myself, and others. Charlie Health IOP saved my life and allowed me to find my center again from the safety of my own home. I plead with Gov. Kotek and all other lawmakers to… allow CH to be accessed by anyone, including those who are on state healthcare. It is well known that Oregon does not have adequate physical facilities for the number of people who are in need of more intensive outpatient treatment.”

– Nichole Y.

“My son required immediate help and was terrified of being hospitalized, taken from his home, and we were fortunate enough to learn of Charlie Health. His enrollment in their online IOP allowed him to get the help he needed in a place he felt safe, at home.

Programs like Charlie Health are vital to giving other families that face such difficulties as our son has, a chance at finding their way back to health and stability when it feels like there is no other way.”

– Laura P.

“This program saved my life.”

– Christine A.

“I often struggled with committing to an IOP because of the travel constraints and time away from home… Taking away the option is an unnecessary and potentially dangerous move. It only prevents more people like me from getting the care I need. Thanks to the life changing kickstart virtual IOP gave me… I have remained in a stable head space and haven't returned to my self harm and self destructive behaviors. There is a real chance that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for virtual IOP.”

– Claire A.

News

Poll: Oregon voters want Gov. Kotek to protect telehealth, prioritize access to mental health services

February 12, 2026

This holiday season, I’m thankful for telehealth. Oregon must protect access.

December 23, 2025

GUEST COLUMN: Oregon should move forward with expanded telehealth

February 7, 2026