Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 5859
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5859Health
Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act of 2025
INTRO OCT 28· LAST ACTION OCT 28
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill addresses a critical gap in the current healthcare system where individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises often end up in emergency rooms or interacting with law enforcement, neither of which are ideally equipped to provide specialized behavioral health care. By funding "one-stop crisis facilities," the bill aims to create dedicated places for immediate and comprehensive support, which could lead to better health outcomes and reduce strain on other public services.
If this bill becomes law, communities would have federal funding to build and operate specialized centers that offer a wider range of services under one roof, from treatment to housing assistance. This could mean quicker, more appropriate help for people in crisis and potentially fewer people cycling through jails or hospitals. If it doesn't pass, communities would likely continue to rely on existing, often fragmented, systems to manage behavioral health crises, potentially leaving many individuals without timely or adequate support.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Creates a federal grant program for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award money to local entities to establish, operate, or expand behavioral health crisis care centers.
This provision is the core mechanism for funding new and expanded crisis services in communities across the country.
PROVISION 02
Funds can be used for a wide range of activities, including acquiring facilities and equipment, hiring and training staff, and providing diverse services like mental health treatment, substance use care, counseling, housing assistance, and legal aid.
This ensures that facilities can offer comprehensive, holistic support that addresses multiple needs of individuals in crisis.
PROVISION 03
Requires grant recipients to coordinate with various governmental and non-governmental partners, such as law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare entities, and community organizations, and conduct outreach to vulnerable populations.
This promotes an integrated crisis response system and helps ensure that services reach those who need them most, including underserved communities.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that grant applicants include a plan for equitable access, particularly for people facing language, cultural, or disability-related barriers, and for staff training in cultural competency and trauma-informed care.
This aims to ensure that services are effective and accessible to all diverse populations and delivered sensitively.
PROVISION 05
Allows recipients of these grants to award subgrants to non-governmental entities for providing crisis facility services.
This enables local non-profits and community-based organizations to directly deliver crisis care, leveraging existing community expertise.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill addresses a critical gap in the current healthcare system where individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises often end up in emergency rooms or interacting with law enforcement, neither of which are ideally equipped to provide specialized behavioral health care. By funding "one-stop crisis facilities," the bill aims to create dedicated places for immediate and comprehensive support, which could lead to better health outcomes and reduce strain on other public services.
If this bill becomes law, communities would have federal funding to build and operate specialized centers that offer a wider range of services under one roof, from treatment to housing assistance. This could mean quicker, more appropriate help for people in crisis and potentially fewer people cycling through jails or hospitals. If it doesn't pass, communities would likely continue to rely on existing, often fragmented, systems to manage behavioral health crises, potentially leaving many individuals without timely or adequate support.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Creates a federal grant program for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award money to local entities to establish, operate, or expand behavioral health crisis care centers.
This provision is the core mechanism for funding new and expanded crisis services in communities across the country.
high
Funds can be used for a wide range of activities, including acquiring facilities and equipment, hiring and training staff, and providing diverse services like mental health treatment, substance use care, counseling, housing assistance, and legal aid.
This ensures that facilities can offer comprehensive, holistic support that addresses multiple needs of individuals in crisis.
med
Requires grant recipients to coordinate with various governmental and non-governmental partners, such as law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare entities, and community organizations, and conduct outreach to vulnerable populations.
This promotes an integrated crisis response system and helps ensure that services reach those who need them most, including underserved communities.
med
Mandates that grant applicants include a plan for equitable access, particularly for people facing language, cultural, or disability-related barriers, and for staff training in cultural competency and trauma-informed care.
This aims to ensure that services are effective and accessible to all diverse populations and delivered sensitively.
med
Allows recipients of these grants to award subgrants to non-governmental entities for providing crisis facility services.
This enables local non-profits and community-based organizations to directly deliver crisis care, leveraging existing community expertise.
GLOSSARY
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Behavioral Health Crisis
An urgent situation where a person's thoughts, feelings, or actions put them at risk or prevent them from functioning, often related to mental illness or substance use.
One-Stop Crisis Facilities
Centers designed to provide immediate and comprehensive support for people in behavioral health crises, offering multiple services under a single roof.
Grants
Funds provided by the government to organizations or individuals for specific projects or purposes, typically requiring an application and adherence to certain conditions.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
A medical condition characterized by impaired control over substance use, often leading to significant problems or distress.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medications used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, often as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Housing First Policy
An approach to homelessness that prioritizes providing immediate access to permanent housing with no preconditions, followed by supportive services.
Trauma-Informed Care
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
OCT 28, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
OCT 28, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
An approach to services that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and incorporates this understanding into all aspects of service delivery.
Eligible Entities
The types of organizations, governments, or groups that qualify to apply for and receive specific grants or benefits under a program, in this case, metropolitan cities, counties, states, Indian Tribes, and territories.
