Mental Health

Mental health is a critical piece of overall health care that is often overlooked. Congress must do more to address our nation’s mental health crisis. That’s why I’m proud to be a member of the Mental Health Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to elevating mental health issues and identifying workable legislative solutions.

Today, many individuals struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders acknowledge that they need professional support. However, a significant number of Americans go without help simply because they cannot afford it. This is especially true of minority communities, who face a disproportionate impact from the lack of accessible, culturally responsive mental health resources.

I am particularly concerned about mental health access for our Latino communities. Only 36.1% of Latino adults with a mental illness received care in 2021, over 10% lower than the national average of 47.2%. This lack of care has had severe consequences, including a sharp increase in suicide rates in the Latino community. That’s why I am an original cosponsor of the Mental Health for Latinos Act, a bill that directs the Department of Health and Human services to develop strategies and solutions to meet the mental health needs of Latinos across the country. Further, I am a cosponsor of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act. This bill would increase access to mental health care for all, while simultaneously breaking down barriers that Black youth face to accessing care.

In addition to cosponsoring these legislative efforts, among others, I recently introduced a bill that would guarantee that at least three mental health care visits per year are fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. By specifically targeting those on Medicare or Medicaid for support, this bill would ensure that two of our most at-risk populations — older adults and those who live near the poverty line — can get the assistance they desperately need.