[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 26 (Thursday, February 5, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Booker, and Mr. 
        Merkley):
  S. 3783. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant 
Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish a Mental 
and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Mental Health 
Career Promotion Act. This legislation would expand opportunities for 
students to learn about and pursue careers in mental health.
  The Mental Health Career Promotion Act would bolster the behavioral 
and mental health workforce pipeline by providing students with 
educational opportunities in the mental health field. Specifically, 
this bill would establish the Behavioral and Mental Health Career 
Promotion Grant Program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, which would provide funding to 
schools to create opportunities for students to interact with and 
shadow mental health care professionals, coordinate internship and 
externship opportunities for students who are interested in mental 
health, and provide educational presentations to students that increase 
exposure to and knowledge of the mental health field.
  Poor mental health impacts millions of students, with two in five 
reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the last 30 
days and one in five reporting that they have seriously considered 
attempting suicide in 2023. Unfortunately, most students go untreated 
because they do not know where to turn for help.
  According to the most recent data from SAMHSA, more than half of all 
Americans live in a mental health professional shortage area. 
Unfortunately, between 2021 and 2026, the total number of mental health 
professionals in the United States is projected to decline by 13 
percent while demand for these professionals is expected to increase by 
over 50 percent.
  One of the most important steps that Congress can take to address 
this shortage is to expand opportunities for students to learn about 
and pursue careers in mental health. As our Nation continues to 
confront an unfolding mental health crisis, this critical legislation 
works to support the next generation of mental health professionals and 
reinforces the timeless message that there is zero shame in asking for 
help and that seeking support is a sign of strength.
  I would like to thank Representative Balint for leading this 
legislation in the House, and I look forward to working with my 
colleagues to enact the Mental Health Career Promotion Act as soon as 
possible.
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