Cárdenas, Tonko, Blunt Rochester, Trone Introduce Crisis Counseling Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), and David Trone (MD-06) reintroduced the Crisis Counseling Act, which would automatically approve requests by any state, territory, and tribe for a Crisis Counseling and Training Program (CCP) after it had been granted a Stafford Act declaration. The legislation would remove bureaucratic hurdles that delayed critical support for communities as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the United States.
“As our nation responds to the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot ignore the mental health crisis that our country faces,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “As we work to finally bring an end to the pandemic, we must recognize the very real emotional and mental toll this has taken on our communities. This commonsense bill will remove unnecessary red tape hurdles and ensure everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to mental health support and resources. Under the Crisis Counseling Act, we can strengthen our response in critical moments now and for any future disaster.”
“As we work to deliver COVID relief to millions of struggling Americans, we must not lose sight of the extraordinary emotional toll this crisis has taken, especially for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m proud to join Congressman Cárdenas in introducing this strong, compassionate legislation that ensures our family, friends and neighbors have access to the care they need.”
“The pandemic’s toll on the nation’s mental health can be felt in communities across the country,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join my colleagues Congressman Cárdenas and Congressman Tonko in introducing the Crisis Counseling Act so we can respond to mental health crises throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and are equipped to face future public health disasters.”
People who are seeking help with mental health or substance use disorder crises must have immediate access to care," said Congressman Trone. "The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a skyrocketing demand for mental health and substance use disorder care. The Crisis Counseling Act will help communities overcome bureaucratic barriers to ensure care is provided when individuals need it the most. "
Endorsements: 2020 Mom, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Association of Suicidology, American Association on Health and Disability, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Casa Esperanza, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Clinical Social Work Association, Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), Families USA, Friends of the 7 Acts of Change, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Lakeshore Foundation, Legal Action Center, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mission Community Hospital, NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, National Association for Children's Behavioral Health, National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, National Register of Health Service Psychologists, San Fernando Community Health Center, SRD Straightening Reins Foundation, The Kennedy Forum, Valley InterCommunity Council, Well Being Trust.
The Crisis Counseling Act was first introduced last year by Congressmen Tony Cardenas and Joe Kennedy III. This bill was included in the “Cárdenas HEART (Health Equity Access, Resources, and Treatment) Package” – a health equity legislative package that was released last month.
Earlier this week, Cárdenas and Tonko introduced the Virtual Community Support Act to strengthen community-based and peer support services virtually both during and after the pandemic. Specifically, it would create a new program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide training and development to increase the workforce, enable providers and peers to move their services virtually, and help identify and coordinate care for those who need access to multiple services.
Last week, Cárdenas introduced the Strengthening Mental Health Supports for BIPOC Communities Act, legislation that aims to remove systemic barriers to mental health services that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities have historically faced. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to make critical advancements in health equity for BIPOC communities by improving access to mental health services under the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program.
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