C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a new grant program to help mental health professionals work in multiple states. It focuses on interstate compacts, which are agreements where states recognize each other's professional licenses.
• The program would give money to state boards and commissions to help them set up and run these multi-state licensing systems. It also aims to encourage counselors to work in states that participate in these agreements.
• By making it easier for therapists and counselors to practice across state lines, the bill tries to address the shortage of mental health workers. This could help people in rural areas get care through telehealth or from providers in nearby states.
• The bill authorizes 4 million dollars in spending each year from 2026 through 2029. This money would be managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.