Voters should care about this bill because it aims to tackle a growing crisis: the shortage of mental health professionals in the United States. Many communities lack enough therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, making it hard for people to get the care they need, especially for young people and those in underserved areas. This bill tries to fix that by encouraging students to consider these vital careers early on.
If this bill becomes law, it could help build a stronger future mental health workforce, making it easier for people to access mental health services when they need them. If it doesn't pass, the shortage of mental health professionals is likely to continue or worsen, potentially leading to longer wait times for care, higher costs, and more untreated mental health conditions across the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program to fund activities in high schools and community colleges.
This creates a dedicated funding stream to address the mental health workforce shortage by targeting future professionals early.
PROVISION 02
Requires grant recipients to be partnerships including educational institutions and community-based mental or behavioral health providers.
Ensures collaboration between education and health sectors, providing practical career exposure and connecting students with real-world opportunities.
PROVISION 03
Defines eligible programs to include educational presentations, internships, shadowing, mentorships, and partnerships with higher education.
Outlines concrete, actionable ways to introduce students to mental health careers, going beyond simple awareness.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the grant program.
Provides significant, sustained funding to support the development and expansion of these career promotion efforts over several years.
PROVISION 05
Mandates an evaluation process, requiring grant recipients to submit annual reports on program effectiveness and the Secretary to report to Congress.
Ensures accountability and allows for assessment of whether the programs are effectively promoting mental health careers.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to tackle a growing crisis: the shortage of mental health professionals in the United States. Many communities lack enough therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, making it hard for people to get the care they need, especially for young people and those in underserved areas. This bill tries to fix that by encouraging students to consider these vital careers early on.
If this bill becomes law, it could help build a stronger future mental health workforce, making it easier for people to access mental health services when they need them. If it doesn't pass, the shortage of mental health professionals is likely to continue or worsen, potentially leading to longer wait times for care, higher costs, and more untreated mental health conditions across the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program to fund activities in high schools and community colleges.
This creates a dedicated funding stream to address the mental health workforce shortage by targeting future professionals early.
high
Requires grant recipients to be partnerships including educational institutions and community-based mental or behavioral health providers.
Ensures collaboration between education and health sectors, providing practical career exposure and connecting students with real-world opportunities.
med
Defines eligible programs to include educational presentations, internships, shadowing, mentorships, and partnerships with higher education.
Outlines concrete, actionable ways to introduce students to mental health careers, going beyond simple awareness.
high
Authorizes $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the grant program.
Provides significant, sustained funding to support the development and expansion of these career promotion efforts over several years.
med
Mandates an evaluation process, requiring grant recipients to submit annual reports on program effectiveness and the Secretary to report to Congress.
Ensures accountability and allows for assessment of whether the programs are effectively promoting mental health careers.
Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program
discretionary
2027 through 2031
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Local educational agency
A public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a state to administer public elementary or secondary schools.
State educational agency
The agency or official primarily responsible for the state supervision of public elementary and secondary schools.
Public Health Service Act
A federal law that provides the legal authority for many health programs and activities in the United States, including those related to mental health.
Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use
A high-ranking official within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for overseeing federal efforts related to mental health and substance use disorders.
Community-based mental or behavioral health provider
Organizations or clinics in a local community that offer services for mental health conditions or substance use disorders, such as counseling centers or addiction treatment programs.
Mental and behavioral health career promotion program
Activities and initiatives designed to inform and encourage students to pursue jobs in fields like counseling, therapy, psychology, or psychiatry.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 5
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 5
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Educational activities that involve hands-on experiences and direct observation, allowing students to learn by doing or actively participating, rather than just listening.
