Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021

Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021

This bill increases the number of states that may participate in two-year Medicaid demonstration programs that improve access to community mental health services. It also provides for additional grants to certified community behavioral health clinics.

Bill 117 HR 4323, also known as the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021, aims to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment services in the United States. The bill focuses on expanding and enhancing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program, which provides comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services.

Under this bill, the CCBHC program would be extended for an additional five years, allowing more clinics to participate and increasing funding for existing clinics. The bill also includes provisions to improve coordination between CCBHCs and other healthcare providers, as well as measures to increase access to telehealth services for mental health and addiction treatment.

Additionally, the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021 includes requirements for CCBHCs to provide evidence-based treatments, improve cultural competency, and increase workforce training in mental health and addiction treatment. The bill also aims to address disparities in access to mental health and addiction treatment services for underserved populations, including rural communities and communities of color. Overall, Bill 117 HR 4323 seeks to enhance the quality and availability of mental health and addiction treatment services in the United States, with a focus on improving outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.