May 14, 2026

New Dems Host Discussion on How Congress Can Tackle the Nation’s Mental Health Crisis

New Dem Members met with mental health experts on the growing need for mental health and substance use disorder services and what Congress can do to expand access to these resources

mental health roundtable

Yesterday, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, New Dem Healthcare Working Group Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mental Health Task Force Chair Shontel Brown (OH-11), and New Dem Leadership Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06), who Co-Chairs the bipartisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus, hosted a roundtable discussion with mental health organizations on how Congress can tackle the nation’s mental health crisis.

New Dem Reps. Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Don Beyer (VA-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) also joined the conversation.

“New Dems take our role seriously in advancing practical, effective health care policy, and mental health must be at the center of that work,” said Healthcare Working Group Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07). “I’m grateful for the important work that these organizations do every day and appreciate the opportunity to hear from them directly about what New Dems can do to ensure every American has access to the support they need.”

As the Trump Administration works to slash crucial funding for mental health programs, guests discussed the urgent need to protect and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services, including through Medicaid, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, school-based programs, crisis response systems, peer support models, and culturally competent care. Participants also shared the importance of safeguarding the 988 crisis line, addressing workforce shortages and burnout, and ensuring mental health parity laws are fully enforced.

Additionally, participants focused on the growing needs of youth and adolescents, and the impact of external factors such as social media and gambling on their mental health. Participants emphasized the role Congress can play in investing in prevention, science-based treatments, and services that support both patients and the behavioral health workforce.

New Dems have worked tirelessly to ensure Americans have access to the mental health resources they need. Last year, New Dems released our Healthcare Action Plan, which advocates for increased funding for federal programs that support access to mental health services.

Representatives from the following organizations participated in the roundtable:

  • Mental Health America

  • NAACP Center for Health Equity

  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing

  • American Psychological Association

  • American Psychiatric Association

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

  • National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH)

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)