Lawmakers Introduce Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Bill
Lawmakers Introduce Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan effort to address the youth mental health crisis is underway, as U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act. The legislation aims to establish effective student-led mental health programs in middle and high schools, providing young people with the tools to support their peers during mental health challenges.
"As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing mental health, it’s incredibly important that we meet children where they are", said Rep. Kelly, a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health. "Peer-to-peer mental health support programs in schools will take a significant step toward curbing the growing mental health crisis in America. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue. I want to thank Rep. Beyer for partnering on this important piece of legislation."
Rep. Beyer, who co-chairs the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, underscored the urgency of addressing mental health struggles among American youth. "Too many young Americans are struggling with their mental health and suffer in silence. We can do more in Congress to support teenage mental health, including by facilitating student-led peer-to-peer education initiatives which are already showing promise across the country. I thank Congressman Kelly for making this potentially lifesaving effort bipartisan, as we continue working to reduce suicides and improve mental health in this country", Beyer said.
Backing from Mental Health Advocates
The legislation has garnered praise from mental health organizations and advocates who see potential in the bill’s approach to empowering students. Caren Howard, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Mental Health America (MHA), emphasized the value of peer support programs. "Mental Health America (MHA) applauds Representatives Beyer and Kelly for introducing this critical legislation to provide schools with resources to start or maintain youth peer support programs. Youth peer support is an effective practice that helps young people to empower their peers to resolve distress and prevent behavioral crises", Howard said. She added that the programs could play a vital role in addressing rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children and adolescents.
Anika Rahman, Director of Policy at Active Minds, also expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, "Active Minds applauds Representatives Beyer and Kelly for their bipartisan leadership in recognizing what young people have known all along – that peer mental health support saves lives. This legislation represents exactly the kind of federal investment we need: funding that empowers students to be part of the solution. When young people are trained and supported to help their peers navigate mental health challenges, we see real results – reduced stigma, increased help-seeking, and stronger school communities."
A Youth Perspective
The act has also resonated with young advocates who recognize the importance of peer-to-peer programs in addressing mental health concerns in schools. Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) and a 16-year-old high school student, shared their perspective: "As a 16-year-old high school student, I’ve seen how often young people turn to each other before turning to an adult when they’re struggling but how so many students don’t know what to do when approached. Studies show that 67% of young people tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else. This bill matters because it helps us identify challenges earlier, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces where asking for help is normal - not shameful. By investing in peer-to-peer programs, we are empowering young people to take care of one another and ensuring no student has to suffer in silence."
Addressing a National Crisis
The need for action is underscored by alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–24, who account for 15% of all suicides in the United States. In 2022 alone, 20% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, nearly 16% made a suicide plan, and 9% attempted suicide, according to CDC data.
The Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act is modeled on several successful state and local programs that have demonstrated the effectiveness of youth-led mental health initiatives. These programs train students, under the guidance of mental health professionals, to recognize signs of crisis in their peers and promote help-seeking behaviors, including the use of resources like the 9-8-8 suicide prevention lifeline.
By focusing on empowering students and fostering supportive school environments, this bipartisan legislation seeks to tackle a growing mental health crisis among America’s youth. Advocates and lawmakers alike hope this initiative will pave the way for lasting change in how schools approach mental health support.