Mental Health Career Promotion Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3783
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S511)
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25T18:56:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Mental Health Career Promotion Act aims to address shortages in the mental and behavioral health workforce by establishing a federal grant program that promotes careers in this field to high school and community college students. It seeks to increase awareness, provide hands-on experiences, and build partnerships to encourage more individuals to enter these professions.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Establishment: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, will create the "Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program" to fund eligible entities in setting up or expanding career promotion activities.
- Eligible Recipients: Grants go to partnerships that must include:
- One or more local educational agencies (school districts), a consortium of them, or a state educational agency.
- One or more public junior or community colleges, or a consortium of them.
- At least one community-based mental or behavioral health provider (e.g., a community mental health center or nonprofit association) or another relevant entity (e.g., a state behavioral health authority or historically Black college or university).
- Eligible Activities: Programs must target students in grades 9–12 or at public junior/community colleges and include:
- Educational presentations to build knowledge of mental and behavioral health careers.
- Internships, externships, shadowing opportunities, mentorships, and experiential learning.
- Partnerships with higher education institutions and community organizations.
- All activities must be appropriate for the students' age, language, and cultural background.
- Grant Terms: Awards last 5 years and can be renewed; the program prioritizes geographical diversity; HHS may offer technical assistance to high-need areas.
- Evaluation Requirements: HHS will develop guidelines for data collection and outcome measures (e.g., impacts on students, families, and schools). Grantees must submit annual reports, and HHS will report to Congress yearly starting one year after enactment. No more than 10% of grant funds can be used for evaluation.
- Definitions:
- A "career in mental or behavioral health" includes roles like physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, psychologists, peer support specialists, and community health workers focused on treating or supporting recovery from mental or behavioral health issues.
- Key terms (e.g., local educational agency, institution of higher education) draw from existing laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Higher Education Act.
- Funding: Authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act (specifically Subpart 3 of Part B of Title V) by adding a new section (520O), introducing a dedicated grant program for mental and behavioral health career promotion. It builds on existing mental health initiatives but creates a novel focus on early career exposure in educational settings, without altering prior programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS will gain responsibilities for administering grants, providing technical assistance, and conducting evaluations, potentially increasing administrative workload but supporting broader mental health goals.
- Citizens: High school and community college students, especially in underserved areas, will have more access to career education and experiences, which could lead to a larger, more diverse mental health workforce over time, improving access to services for individuals with mental or behavioral health needs.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges may receive funding to integrate mental health career programs, enhancing student opportunities but requiring new partnerships.
- No Direct International Relations Impact: The bill is domestic-focused, with no provisions affecting foreign policy or global health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students: Primarily those in grades 9–12 and at public junior or community colleges, who gain exposure to mental health careers.
- Educational Entities: Local and state educational agencies, public junior/community colleges, and institutions of higher education (including historically Black colleges and universities).
- Mental Health Providers: Community-based organizations, clinics, and professional associations that partner in programs and benefit from workforce recruitment.
- Federal Government: HHS, which oversees implementation and reporting to Congress.
- Communities: Families, high-need school districts, and underserved populations that could see long-term improvements in mental health services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with existing federal education and health laws by incorporating their definitions, ensuring consistency without creating conflicts. It emphasizes culturally appropriate activities, promoting equity under civil rights frameworks.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it involves standard congressional authority over spending and public health under the Commerce Clause and General Welfare Clause.
- Political: This legislation responds to ongoing concerns about mental health workforce shortages, potentially advancing bipartisan priorities in public health. It could influence future funding debates by authorizing specific appropriations, highlighting investments in youth education and preventive workforce development.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S511)
- 2026-02-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Mental Health Career Promotion Act — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (8 pages)