HHS Announces $99 Million in Grants to Improve Mental Health Services for Youth

HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $99 million to train new mental health providers, help teachers and others recognize mental health issues in youth and connect them to help, and increase access to mental health services for young people. These funds were included in the president and vice president’s Now Is the Time plan to reduce gun violence by keeping guns out of dangerous hands, increasing access to mental health services, and making schools safer.

“The administration is committed to increasing access to mental health services to protect the health of children and communities,” Burwell said. “Today, I am pleased to announce another step the department is taking to help ensure that our young people have access to the mental health services they need to reach their full potential.”

The Obama administration has taken a number of steps to reduce the barriers that too often prevent people from getting the help they need for mental health and other behavioral health problems. The historic expansion of insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse services made possible by the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act will help make mental health services more affordable and accessible for tens of millions of Americans.

Press release from HHS: http://1.usa.gov/1ymsh7D