Lawmakers recently introduced the Creating Access and Resources in Education (CARE) for Student Mental Health Act, a bipartisan bill designed to improve how schools access school mental health grants established by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This legislation is intended to help schools and qualifying organizations better navigate the application process and increase their chances of securing vital funding.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law in June 2022, set aside $1 billion in school mental health grants to expand youth mental health and school-based behavioral health services in response to tragic school violence, including the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. However, despite this large fund, fewer than 3% of eligible entities have applied for these grants, leaving much-needed resources untapped.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas pointed out that many schools and organizations that qualify for school mental health grants lack awareness of the funding opportunities or the administrative capacity to apply for them. He said,
“Far too many young people struggle with their mental health, and far too many schools lack the resources to recognize and care for students who may be in crisis.”
The CARE for Student Mental Health Act seeks to break this cycle by simplifying and clarifying grant qualifications and improving the application process. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Education to streamline and enhance how schools access these school mental health grants, especially prioritizing high-need school districts that currently face the greatest challenges in hiring clinicians and mental health professionals.
The legislation also broadens eligibility, allowing higher education institutions to apply for school mental health grants, further expanding support for students across different educational settings.
Bipartisan Support and Behavioral Health Reform Efforts
This initiative has strong bipartisan support, with co-sponsors including Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Thom Tillis, Jon Tester, and Maggie Hassan. Senator Tillis, co-chair of the Senate Mental Health Caucus, emphasized the importance of this effort, saying,
“I’m committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring students have access to necessary resources and support services.”
This bill fits within a broader context of growing attention to behavioral health reform. Earlier this year, the Biden administration’s 2025 budget proposal included billions for behavioral health, highlighting a national push to improve access and treatment. Additionally, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra recently advocated for the continuation of Medicare telehealth flexibilities, which are critical for mental health service delivery.
Other pending congressional actions include efforts to increase Medicaid funding for behavioral health and permanently integrate certified community behavioral health centers into Medicaid. Together, these actions and the CARE Act reflect a comprehensive approach to expanding mental health services for Americans of all ages.
Why Access to School Mental Health Grants Matters
The successful implementation of the CARE for Student Mental Health Act could lead to a significant increase in the number of schools able to access and utilize school mental health grants, enabling more mental health professionals to work directly with students. This funding is essential to provide early intervention, support students in crisis, and promote safer, healthier learning environments.
With more schools equipped to access school mental health grants, students nationwide could benefit from enhanced mental health programs, counseling services, and behavioral health resources — all critical for their academic success and overall wellbeing.
As the nation continues to address the mental health crisis among youth, legislation that facilitates easier access to a school mental health grant is a crucial step in ensuring schools have the tools and personnel necessary to support students effectively.
