Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Mrs. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and support and making it possible for us to be here today to pass the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022. It is an important effort, and I am so glad that the bipartisan bill that I introduced last year with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, the Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner Act, H.R. 5218, is included in it.

Many people first display symptoms of a mental health condition or substance use disorder in the primary care setting. Often they can't access the necessary follow-up treatment, it is either too expensive or too difficult for them to find the necessary mental health professional or overcome other obstacles, including stigma.

That is why enabling patients to access behavioral health treatment at their first point of care is critical, and that is what this bill does.

The collaborative care model addresses obstacles including stigma, a shortage of mental health professionals, and cost by integrating behavioral healthcare within the primary care setting, with their trusted family doctors, which allows patients to access the care they need in a setting where they feel most comfortable.

The collaborative care model is a measurement-based model featuring a primary care physician, a psychiatric consultant, and care manager all working together to provide mental health care for patients and ensuring that that care is delivered effectively.

There are more than 90 published trials demonstrating its success in different settings for both adults and children. It extends the reach of our psychiatrists, which is essential as we work to address demand in the face of workforce shortages. It is covered by Medicare, most private insurers, and many State Medicaid programs, alleviating the huge financial burden that can often be associated with accessing mental health care.

Despite its proven effectiveness, implementation of the collaborative care model remains low because of the upfront costs and lack of technical assistance for providers. This bill addresses this roadblock by providing grant funding for States to work with primary care physicians and practices looking to adopt this model.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Congresswomen Herrera Beutler and Eshoo and Chairman Pallone for addressing the mental health crisis in this country.

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