119th (2025–2027)
S. 5137
The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act directs the federal government to create a grant program that supports mental health professionals working across state lines. The bill authorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program within 90 days of enactment, which will award grants to states and interstate commissions that participate in occupational licensure compacts for counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatric mental health professionals. These grants will incentivize mental health professionals to practice in states with interstate compacts and help develop and maintain the commissions that oversee these agreements. The legislation affects mental health professionals, state licensing boards, and interstate compact commissions seeking to expand access to mental health services across state boundaries. The bill authorizes $4 million in funding annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 to support this program.