Counties Encouraged by White House Action on Mental Health Parity
Upcoming Events
Related News
County leaders invited to White House for announcement of new proposed rule
WASHINGTON – County leaders yesterday joined President Biden for the announcement of a new proposed role to reinforce elements of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Mental health parity is a cornerstone of the work of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“Counties are feeling the strain of the rising demand for mental health services and ensuring this crisis is addressed. To achieve our shared goals, a strong intergovernmental partnership is necessary, as well as working with the private and nonprofit sectors,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase.
The Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, launched in February, brings together county leaders from across the country to take action to address the ever-growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective. Through this commission, NACo is elevating the critical role counties play in providing high-quality, accessible mental health services, showcasing solutions and outlining the intergovernmental and public-private partnerships required to reimagine and strengthen our nation’s mental health policies, programs and practices.
In May, NACo’s commission advocated for policy priorities at the White House and with members of Congress. Mental health parity was one of the pillars of that advocacy, with a focus on increased enforcement of the MHPAEA. Counties have long advocated for the implementation of this existing legislation.
“The White House’s proposed rule is a step in the right direction for mental health parity,” said Chase. “We look forward to continuing to work with bipartisan intergovernmental partners to strengthen mental health care and ultimately help produce better outcomes for all.”
For more information about NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, click here. For a summary of policy positions, click here.
Media Contact
Nicole Weissman
County Countdown – October 6, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features a federal shutdown FAQ, overdose prevention funding and more.
County Countdown – September 22, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features a short-term funding bill introduced to avert shutdown, new Rural Health Transformation Program and more.
Michelle Alyssa Go Act reintroduced in the 119th Congress, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
On September 18, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
House passes clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government through November 21
On September 16, the U.S. House passed the text of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 to extend government funding at current levels through November 21.
Senate lawmakers release a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until October 31
On September 17, Senate lawmakers released a one-month stopgap funding bill to keep the government funded through October 31.