College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 15 co-sponsors

HR 5357 ensures college students maintain access to mental health care during transitions, boosts funding for services, and promotes telehealth and awareness programs.

Introduced in House

Purpose and Intent

The College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025 (HR 5357) aims to enhance mental health support for college students by ensuring they have continued access to mental health care services. This legislation recognizes the growing mental health challenges faced by students and seeks to provide a framework for ongoing care, particularly during transitions between educational institutions or during breaks in their studies.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions designed to improve mental health care access for college students:

Continuation of Care: The bill mandates that mental health care providers must offer continued services to students who transition from one institution to another, ensuring that their mental health needs are met without interruption.

Funding Allocation: It proposes the allocation of federal funds to colleges and universities to enhance their mental health services, including hiring additional counselors and providing training for staff to recognize and address mental health issues.

Telehealth Services: The legislation encourages the use of telehealth services, allowing students to access mental health care remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas.

Awareness Programs: The bill calls for the development of awareness programs aimed at reducing stigma around mental health issues and promoting available resources among students.

Who Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries of HR 5357 would be college students across the United States who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in higher education institutions. Additionally, colleges and universities would receive support to enhance their mental health services, which would benefit faculty and staff as well.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on September 15, 2025.

Committee Referrals: Upon introduction, HR 5357 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration. The timeline for these committees to review the bill will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Conclusion

HR 5357 represents a significant step toward addressing mental health care for college students, aiming to create a supportive environment that fosters their well-being and academic success. By ensuring continuity of care and increasing access to mental health resources, this legislation seeks to mitigate the mental health crisis affecting many students today.

Bill