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119-hr-5353119th CongressWALLET

Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act

Sponsored By: Representative Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

Introduced

Summary

Would create a federal pilot to fund evidence-based peer mental health support in secondary schools. It would award competitive grants to states, local governments, territories, and tribes to run peer-support programs, provide training, and measure student mental health outcomes.

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  • Students and families: Students would have access to peer-led mental health support in secondary schools that must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional. Programs could train peers and adults to spot early signs, reduce risks, and connect students to professional services.
  • Schools and staff: Schools could use grant funds to implement evidence-based peer support activities and to train students, adult supervisors, and other staff. Any education records collected would have protections under FERPA.
  • State, local, territorial, and tribal governments: Eligible entities would apply competitively and must describe how they will measure and evaluate program progress. The pilot authority would terminate on September 30, 2029.
  • Federal agencies and researchers: The Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Department of Education, would evaluate participation, trainings, student outcomes, and connections to professional care and report findings to Congress. The agencies would also provide technical assistance and share best practices.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More mental health help for students

If enacted, your child’s secondary school could get support through a new federal pilot for student peer mental health help. The Assistant Secretary, with the Education Secretary, would award competitive grants to states, territories, Tribes, and local governments that submit a plan to track student mental health results. Funds would support evidence-based peer support and training, overseen by a school-based mental health professional. Any student education records collected would be protected under FERPA. The program would include federal technical help, a formal evaluation with a report to Congress, and it would end on September 30, 2029.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 9/15/2025

  • Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 11/18/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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