Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen and Expand Mental Health Services in Michigan’s Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand mental health services in Michigan's rural communities. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act - which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) - aims to help states grow their behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural areas, to ensure mental health resources are accessible across the state. Specifically, the bill would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance-use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

"I'm proud to join my colleague in leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure all Michiganders can access quality mental health care from trained professionals. With the demand for mental health support higher than ever before, this commonsense legislation would help states strengthen this critical workforce to expand the mental health services available in rural and underserved communities," said Senator Peters.

The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Peters has been a consistent advocate for mental health care, supporting policies that expand access to quality, affordable treatment. Earlier this year, Peters introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase access to care in areas experiencing shortages of mental health care professionals. In 2024, Peters also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand access to telemental health care.

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