To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish internship programs relating to behavioral health, and for other purposes.

Hozzl · 2022-12-29T18:18:48Z

Explore the details of House Bill 8386 To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish internship programs relating to behavioral health, and for other purposes. currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/29/2022, 6:18 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8386

Bill 117 hr 8386, also known as the "Veterans Behavioral Health Internship Act," aims to address the mental health needs of veterans by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish internship programs focused on behavioral health. The bill seeks to provide opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in mental health to gain valuable experience working with veterans who may be struggling with mental health issues.

The internship programs established under this bill will focus on providing support and treatment for veterans dealing with behavioral health challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. By offering hands-on experience in a clinical setting, interns will be able to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively assist veterans in need of mental health services.

In addition to creating internship opportunities, the bill also includes provisions for evaluating the effectiveness of the programs and ensuring that they are meeting the needs of veterans. This includes requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the outcomes of the internship programs and any recommendations for improvement. Overall, the Veterans Behavioral Health Internship Act aims to improve access to mental health services for veterans by providing training and support for individuals pursuing careers in behavioral health. By investing in the development of future mental health professionals, this bill seeks to ensure that veterans receive the care and support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives after their service to our country.

Congressional Summary of HR 8386

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish paid predoctoral and postdoctoral internship programs for the purpose of training licensed officials (e.g., licensed professional counselors) to work as VA behavioral health providers at VA medical facilities.

As a condition of participating in such an internship program, the participant must enter into an agreement with the VA to work on a full-time basis as a behavioral health provider for a period of time that is at least equivalent to the period of participation in the internship program.

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Current Status of Bill HR 8386

Bill HR 8386 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 14, 2022. Bill HR 8386 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 14, 2022. Bill HR 8386's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of July 14, 2022