This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to significantly expand access to comprehensive school-based mental health services for children and adolescents. It establishes a grant program to assist students dealing with traumatic experiences, grief, bereavement, risk of suicide, and violence. These services must be developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate , as well as trauma-informed , incorporating positive behavioral interventions and supports. Funded activities include implementing school- and community-based mental health programs that build awareness of trauma, train staff to identify mental health disorders and suicide risk, and incorporate family engagement. The bill also facilitates community partnerships among educational agencies, mental health providers, and other stakeholders to address child and adolescent mental health issues. Eligible entities must be partnerships between a State educational agency and at least one community-based mental health provider. For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $300,000,000 annually to carry out these vital initiatives. The Secretary will ensure equitable distribution of awards across urban and rural areas, with grants lasting five years and options for renewal. A robust evaluation process is mandated, requiring recipients to submit annual reports based on developed outcome measures, and the Assistant Secretary to report annually to Congress on program effectiveness. This legislation aims to strengthen mental health support systems within schools, fostering healthier development for students nationwide.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5557| House
| Updated: 9/23/2025
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to significantly expand access to comprehensive school-based mental health services for children and adolescents. It establishes a grant program to assist students dealing with traumatic experiences, grief, bereavement, risk of suicide, and violence. These services must be developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate , as well as trauma-informed , incorporating positive behavioral interventions and supports. Funded activities include implementing school- and community-based mental health programs that build awareness of trauma, train staff to identify mental health disorders and suicide risk, and incorporate family engagement. The bill also facilitates community partnerships among educational agencies, mental health providers, and other stakeholders to address child and adolescent mental health issues. Eligible entities must be partnerships between a State educational agency and at least one community-based mental health provider. For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $300,000,000 annually to carry out these vital initiatives. The Secretary will ensure equitable distribution of awards across urban and rural areas, with grants lasting five years and options for renewal. A robust evaluation process is mandated, requiring recipients to submit annual reports based on developed outcome measures, and the Assistant Secretary to report annually to Congress on program effectiveness. This legislation aims to strengthen mental health support systems within schools, fostering healthier development for students nationwide.