Evidence from UBI pilots shows that the recipients of basic income experience significant mental health benefits. Given the comorbidity of poverty and mental health challenges, UBI has the potential to be a crucial and proactive policy choice to curb the mental health crisis.

Adrian is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario supporting individuals, families, and communities experiencing concerns with mental health, addictions, and navigating systems. Adrian has been involved with Basic Income London as a member and Co-chair supporting events in the London community. Adrian believes that a Basic Guaranteed Income is critical to bringing equity and autonomy to individuals and communities facing mental health challenges. Adrian is excited to connect with passionate members of the Basic Guaranteed Income community in order to develop, brainstorm, and engage in shifting the social assistance system to better enhance our society.

Leslie Kausch, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Active Healing, Humanity Forward

Leslie E. Kausch has been a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor since 1994.  For the first half of her career, she provided counseling and victim advocacy for crime victims, primarily in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Currently, she is in private practice, specializing in helping adolescent and adult females take a more proactive approach to their lives.  As a fourth degree black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, she often incorporates movement and physical activity to help women get a more physical sense of being more powerful and taking initiative in their own lives.

Matthew Smith is Professor of Health History at the University of Strathclyde's Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare.  He has written about the history of ADHD, food allergy, deinstitutionalization, and is currently writing a book on the history of social psychiatry in the USA.

How UBI Improves Mental Health