Bill > HR7780

This bill, titled the "Mental Health Matters Act", proposes several measures to support the behavioral and mental health needs of students and youth, invest in the school-based behavioral health workforce, and ensure access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Key provisions include: - Identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions, best practices, and staff training to improve social-emotional and behavioral health in Head Start programs, supporting staff wellness, and evaluating implementation. - Establishing a grant program to increase the number of school-based mental health service providers, such as school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, in high-need school districts. - Authorizing grants to states to allow local educational agencies to recruit and retain school-based mental health providers and work towards recommended staffing ratios. - Amending the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to provide grants to increase student access to trauma-informed support and mental health services. - Enhancing enforcement of mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. - Prohibiting mandatory arbitration clauses, class action waivers, and discretionary clauses in ERISA plans. The bill aims to improve access to mental health services and supports for students, youth, and employees through a variety of policy interventions.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7780/all-info