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Bill

HR 658

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration.

119th Congress Introduced by Julia Brownley and 1 co-sponsor

HR 658 expands eligibility for licensed marriage and family therapists in the Veterans Health Administration, improving veterans' access to vital mental health services.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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Bill Summary · HR 658

Summary of HR 658: Marriage and Family Therapist Qualifications in the Veterans Health Administration

Purpose and Intent

HR 658 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to establish specific qualifications for the appointment of licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) who are qualified to provide clinical supervision within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The bill seeks to enhance the availability of mental health services for veterans by expanding the pool of eligible LMFTs for supervisory roles.

Key Provisions

  • Educational Requirements: Individuals must hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a comparable mental health degree from an accredited institution.
  • Licensure: Candidates must be licensed or certified to practice marriage and family therapy independently in their respective states.
  • Clinical Supervision Authorization: To qualify for supervisory positions, candidates must either:
    • Be authorized to provide clinical supervision in their state of licensure, or
    • Hold an "approved supervisor" designation from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Background and Need for Legislation

  • Current Standards: The VHA has employed LMFTs since 2010, but existing qualification standards require supervisory LMFTs to have the AAMFT designation, which is not mandated for other mental health providers.
  • Impact on Veterans: The bill addresses the unique challenges faced by military and veteran families, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health services. By aligning VA standards with state laws and expanding eligibility, the bill aims to improve retention and recruitment of qualified LMFTs, ultimately enhancing veterans' access to mental health care.

Affected Parties

  • Veterans and Military Families: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be veterans seeking mental health services, as the bill aims to increase the number of qualified therapists available to them.
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: The bill will impact LMFTs by providing them with greater opportunities for employment and advancement within the VHA.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Subcommittee Consideration: March 4, 2025, and March 25, 2025
  • Reported by Committee: May 6, 2025
  • Placed on Union Calendar: May 17, 2025

Conclusion

HR 658 represents a significant step toward improving mental health care for veterans by establishing clearer and more inclusive qualifications for LMFTs in supervisory roles. By addressing current discrepancies in qualification standards, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services provided to veterans and their families.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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