Mental Health Matters Act

10/24/2023, 7:16 PM

Mental Health Matters Act

This bill requires certain federal actions to increase access to mental and behavioral health care. Among other provisions, the bill creates various grants to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers, establishes requirements for institutions of higher education concerning students with disabilities, prohibits arbitration and discretionary clauses in employer-sponsored benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and establishes an occupational research program on mental health.

Bill 117 HR 7780, also known as the Mental Health Matters Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States by providing increased funding and resources for mental health services and programs.

The Mental Health Matters Act aims to improve access to mental health care for all Americans, particularly those in underserved communities. The bill includes provisions for expanding mental health services in schools, increasing funding for mental health research, and promoting mental health awareness and education.

Additionally, the bill seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote early intervention and treatment for individuals struggling with mental health issues. It also includes measures to improve coordination between mental health providers and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for those in need. Overall, the Mental Health Matters Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to improve mental health outcomes for all Americans. It emphasizes the importance of mental health care and seeks to address the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. If passed, this bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the mental health landscape in the United States.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 7780

Introduced on
2022-05-16

# Amendments
2

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

10/11/2022

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Failed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Mental Health Matters Act

This bill requires certain federal actions to increase access to mental and behavioral health care. Among other provisions, the bill creates various grants to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers, establishes requirements for institutions of higher education concerning students with disabilities, prohibits arbitration and discretionary clauses in employer-sponsored benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and establishes an occupational research program on mental health.

Bill 117 HR 7780, also known as the Mental Health Matters Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States by providing increased funding and resources for mental health services and programs.

The Mental Health Matters Act aims to improve access to mental health care for all Americans, particularly those in underserved communities. The bill includes provisions for expanding mental health services in schools, increasing funding for mental health research, and promoting mental health awareness and education.

Additionally, the bill seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote early intervention and treatment for individuals struggling with mental health issues. It also includes measures to improve coordination between mental health providers and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for those in need. Overall, the Mental Health Matters Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to improve mental health outcomes for all Americans. It emphasizes the importance of mental health care and seeks to address the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. If passed, this bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the mental health landscape in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo support the behavioral needs of students and youth, invest in the school-based behavioral health workforce, and ensure access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

Policy Areas
Education

Potential Impact
Academic performance and assessments•
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration•
Child care and development•
Child health•
Civil actions and liability•
Disability assistance•
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use•
Education of the disadvantaged•
Education programs funding•
Educational guidance•
Elementary and secondary education•
Emergency medical services and trauma care•
Employee benefits and pensions•
Health care costs and insurance•
Health care coverage and access•
Health personnel•
Health programs administration and funding•
Health promotion and preventive care•
Higher education•
Homelessness and emergency shelter•
Labor-management relations•
Mental health•
Minority education•
Minority health•
Preschool education•
Special education•
Teaching, teachers, curricula

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Recent Activity

Latest Summary10/5/2022

Mental Health Matters Act

This bill requires certain federal actions to increase access to mental and behavioral health care. Among other provisions, the bill creates various grants to increase the number of school-based m...


Latest Action10/11/2022
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.