Equity & Access · Texas behavioral health news
Pfluger, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Mental Health Resources - Congressman August Pfluger (.gov)
Mental Health Equity (Google News) · April 28, 2026
In plain language
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including representatives from Texas, has introduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act to improve access to behavioral health care. The bill aims to permanently fund Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which provide 24/7 crisis care and outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use. This legislation would also expand these services to seniors through Medicare and create a system to ensure high-quality care across the country. By supporting these clinics, the bill seeks to reduce long wait times and fill gaps in community-based support.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act permanently authorizes a proven model for community-based mental health clinics.
- Certified clinics provide 24/7 crisis care and coordinate services with hospitals, law enforcement, and veterans’ organizations.
- The legislation establishes a new payment structure to make these mental health services available to seniors through Medicare.
- Proposed grants would help existing and new clinics expand their capacity to offer comprehensive behavioral health treatment.
- The bill creates a national accreditation process and technical assistance to maintain high quality and accountability in care.
Pfluger, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Mental Health Resources Congressman August Pfluger (.gov)
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