Key takeaways of Senate's new mental health legislation

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which increased funding for mental health programs and aims to reduce the threat and incidence of violence in America, was passed by the Senate June 23. Here's a quick overview of the legislation:

  • Expands Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which are centers that provide mental health and addiction services.
  • Broadens access to telehealth services and mental health awareness programs.
  • $120 million in funding for mental health awareness training.
  • $150 million in funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for fiscal year 2022.
  • Requiring CMS to provide guidance to states on how they can increase access to care via telehealth under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The bill was introduced by Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 26.

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