On Tuesday, the Biden-Harris administration announced millions of dollars in additional funding for states to address the mental health crisis currently plaguing the country.
In addition to $300 million in funding authorized in September for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) – which provide crisis services 24/7 for mental health or substance abuse problems, regardless of ability to pay – $15 million in new grants will be awarded for planning of new clinics.
Funding for the grants comes from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the sweeping gun safety legislation passed into law in the aftermath of the Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, mass shootings.
“First thing that almost everybody says is the mental health system isn't working the way it should be and then we started calling everybody who's working on a package together,” Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said at a press conference at the U.S. Department of Health Human Services on Tuesday.
"Mental health affects all of us," President Joe Biden said of the funding in a statement, adding: "We can and must do more to transform how we address mental health in America."
“With these additional funds, we’re delivering on President Biden’s commitment to strengthen mental and behavioral health for all Americans, including people living in our nation’s most vulnerable communities,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“Behavioral health is health. Period. There should be no distinction," he added. "This investment will bring us closer to that reality.”
Becerra made the announcement alongside Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who worked to pass the Excellence in Mental Health Act into law in 2014, which established the demonstration program that created CCBHCs.
“Our Excellence in Mental Health demonstration program has shown that treating mental health like all other health is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Sen. Blunt.
“For too long, emergency rooms and law enforcement have served as the de facto mental health care delivery system in our country,” he said, adding: "Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are changing that, helping people get the comprehensive behavioral health care they need when they need it.”
Blunt thanked his Democratic counterpart for her "nearly decade-long partnership in this effort and the support of the Biden administration."
"This is a huge milestone that will help millions of Americans live longer, healthier, happier lives," he added.
“Our mental health care and addiction initiative is a proven success story and is transforming mental health and addiction treatment across our country," Sen. Stabenow said.
"Now, every state will be able to join and make sure health care above the neck is funded the same way as health care below the neck," Stabenow said, adding: "Senator Blunt was a great partner with me in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.”
“Our Excellence in Mental Health demonstration program has shown that treating mental health like all other health is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Sen. Blunt.
"Ten states, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon and Pennsylvania, were selected from among 24 states that received one-year planning grants from HHS," said in their statement.
The remaining 40 U.S. states and the District of Columbia that wish to establish mental health clinics are eligible to submit applications for planning grants.
"In early 2023, up to 15 states will be awarded up to $1 million for one-year planning grants, and from those that submit a successful demonstration application, 10 will be selected to be in the actual CCBHC demonstration, starting in 2024," HHS said in their statement.
With the mental crisis in the United States deepening for some time, experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges many already faced.
"These clinics are proven to improve health outcomes while lowering costs, by delivering 24/7 mental health and substance use care to millions of Americans, no matter who they are or whether they have the ability to pay," President Biden said.
"Over the past few weeks, my Administration has announced the availability of funding that will help grow the pipeline of school-based mental health professionals, expand trauma-informed services in schools, and connect youth in need to mental health experts via telehealth,” Biden added.
Anyone seeking treatment for mental health or substance use issues should call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.