As the United States grapples with a growing mental health crisis, the need for actionable change has never been more urgent. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, a Democratic lawmaker from California, has reintroduced the Mental Health Matters Act, a bill aimed at providing comprehensive mental health and addiction support across the country. This legislation is a direct response to the growing number of individuals—adults and children alike—who are struggling with mental health challenges and addiction.
Having lost his father to suicide, DeSaulnier’s personal connection to this issue drives his commitment to the Mental Health Matters Act. “Having lost my dad to suicide, I am honored to introduce legislation to help other families by employing evidence-based resources to tackle the mental health crisis plaguing this country,” he said. With such a profound personal motivation, the bill is shaped not only by the statistics but by the real-world experiences of those living through these challenges.
The Scope of the Mental Health Matters Act
The Mental Health Matters Act is designed to provide a range of strategies to improve mental health care and addiction treatment in the United States. Although the full text of the bill is not yet available, the key provisions that have been outlined will focus on increasing access to mental health care, particularly in areas and settings where people need it most. Specifically, the bill addresses several critical issues:
- Increasing mental health professionals in K-12 schools: One of the bill’s central aims is to expand access to mental health support in schools, especially in “high-need public schools.” By placing more mental health professionals in schools, the Mental Health Matters Act seeks to address mental health challenges early, offering students the support they need before issues escalate. Schools are often the first line of defense in identifying mental health struggles, and ensuring that they have the resources to respond appropriately is key to preventing long-term consequences.
- Establishing stronger links between schools and mental health systems: The Mental Health Matters Act also proposes creating stronger partnerships between schools and local trauma-informed mental health support systems. This ensures that when a student is struggling, they are connected to the right resources in a timely manner. By linking schools with broader community resources, the bill fosters a more cohesive and supportive network for children facing mental health challenges.
- Increasing transparency and support for college students: College students often face unique mental health challenges. The Mental Health Matters Act aims to require colleges to be more transparent about the mental health services they offer and to ensure that students seeking disability accommodations are better supported. For many students, navigating the demands of academic life alongside mental health concerns can be overwhelming, and colleges must be equipped to offer a more supportive environment.
- Support for Head Start programs: In an effort to provide early intervention, the Mental Health Matters Act calls for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop and implement support systems for children and staff in Head Start programs. These programs, which serve low-income families with young children, often provide an opportunity to address behavioral health concerns before they become ingrained in later years. Early support can prevent many mental health challenges from snowballing into larger issues as children grow older.
- Strengthening enforcement of mental health parity laws: One of the bill’s most important provisions is aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These laws are designed to ensure that mental health and addiction treatment are covered by insurance plans in the same way that physical health care is. The Mental Health Matters Act would provide the U.S. Department of Labor with more authority to enforce these laws and hold insurance providers accountable for improper denials of care.
- Holding employers accountable for improper insurance denials: The Mental Health Matters Act would also empower employer-sponsored, private, and retirement health plans to hold sponsors accountable for improper denials of care. This is particularly crucial for individuals relying on employer-provided health insurance, which often falls short when it comes to mental health and addiction treatment. By requiring greater accountability from insurance providers, the bill aims to ensure that people receive the necessary care without unnecessary barriers.
A Personal and National Crisis
Rep. DeSaulnier’s personal experience with loss due to suicide brings a deeply emotional perspective to the bill. Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities. DeSaulnier’s determination to prevent others from going through the same heartbreak is a driving force behind his advocacy for the Mental Health Matters Act. “Mental health care is health care,” he emphasizes, highlighting the widespread nature of mental health struggles—one in five adults and one in six children in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. This bill is a recognition that mental health services are not a luxury but a necessity, and it is critical to integrate them into the broader health care system.
The 2022 Version of the Mental Health Matters Act
This is not the first time that Rep. DeSaulnier has introduced the Mental Health Matters Act. The original version of the bill was introduced in 2022, where it cleared the House with a 220-205 vote. However, despite this progress, the bill ultimately failed to become law. The 2022 version of the bill would have strengthened mental health parity enforcement, banned forced arbitration agreements with payers, and implemented several programs and funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Education. Despite its failure to pass, the bill laid important groundwork for future efforts, and its reintroduction in 2025 aims to build on that momentum.
In 2022, mental health and behavioral health reforms were a hot topic, particularly in the wake of tragedies like the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. This tragedy, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, sparked a renewed national conversation about the need for better mental health services and intervention strategies. The subsequent passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act addressed some of the concerns raised in the wake of Uvalde, but the Mental Health Matters Act of 2025 aims to go even further, tackling both the systemic issues of mental health and addiction care and the broader cultural stigma that often surrounds these issues.
Why Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever
In an era where mental health struggles are at the forefront of societal challenges, the Mental Health Matters Act is more crucial than ever. It represents a holistic, multi-pronged approach to ensuring that Americans—from children to adults—have access to the mental health services they need, no matter their background or circumstance. By increasing funding, expanding the mental health workforce, and holding insurance companies accountable, the bill seeks to dismantle the barriers that currently prevent individuals from receiving the care they deserve.
DeSaulnier’s commitment to this issue, fueled by his personal loss and his passion for systemic change, makes this bill a beacon of hope for those who have long felt underserved by the mental health system. As the Mental Health Matters Act progresses through Congress, its passage could represent a significant turning point in the United States’ approach to mental health care and addiction treatment. With its comprehensive provisions, the Mental Health Matters Act stands as a vital step toward creating a future where mental health care is truly accessible to all.
Conclusion: A Critical Time for Action
Mental health issues are not a passing trend—they are a growing epidemic that requires bold, comprehensive action. The Mental Health Matters Act seeks to provide that action, with a focus on early intervention, expanded resources, and increased accountability. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is clear that we are at a critical moment in the fight for mental health reform. The time for change is now, and the Mental Health Matters Act could be the catalyst for much-needed transformation in mental health care across the nation.
