Katko’s bipartisan bill would increase number of nation’s mental health experts

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on May 1 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would authorize a loan repayment program for mental health professionals to relieve workforce shortages.

“It is imperative we create a sustainable workforce of therapists, psychologists and counselors who can meet the mental healthcare needs of the nation,” Rep. Katko said on Wednesday.

Rep. Katko sponsored the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019, H.R. 2431, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA). The two serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.

“This legislation incentivizes mental healthcare professionals to practice in underserved communities, improving access to treatment and improving the quality of care,” said the congressman, calling H.R. 2431 “critical legislation.”

Rep. Katko also noted that he’s “grateful to once again collaborate with” Rep. Napolitano on the legislation, which they introduced last year. The same-named 2018 version, H.R. 6597, stalled in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The newly reintroduced H.R. 2431 already has garnered support from the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“With only one-third of those with a mental illness receiving mental healthcare treatment, Americans require better access to trained mental healthcare professionals,” Rep. Katko said.

H.R. 2431 has been referred for consideration to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.