Bill · H.R. 5353· House(119-HR-5353)
Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act
- Introduced
- 9/15/2025
- Last activity
- 9/15/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Donald Beyer
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act directs the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to establish a pilot program focused on mental health peer support for secondary school students. Through competitive awards, the program supports evidence-based activities within eligible jurisdictions. These entities may use the funds for various activities, including training students and supervisors to handle mental health and substance use challenges. The program requires oversight by school-based mental health professionals and includes a mandate for evaluation. The Assistant Secretary must also report findings to specific Congressional committees. This program is set to terminate on September 30, 2029.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would students be better off under this?+8
The bill focuses entirely on improving mental health outcomes and recovery supports for students through peer activities.
Would children be better off under this?+7
The program provides direct mental health and substance use support for secondary school students.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+7
The bill targets secondary school students, who are typically in the young adult age bracket.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Secondary School Students: The bill aims to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for students enrolled in secondary schools (Sec. 2(a)). This could help students manage mental health and substance use challenges.
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Training and Early Identification: Funds may be used to provide training to students, adult supervisors, and others to improve the early identification of, response to, and recovery supports for mental health and substance use challenges (Sec. 2(c)(1)). This could help reduce associated risks and promote resiliency.
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Professional Oversight: The bill requires that mental health peer support activities are overseen by a school-based mental health professional (Sec. 2(c)(2)). This ensures that student support is guided by qualified experts.
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Protection of Student Information: The act ensures that any education records collected or maintained under this section receive the protections provided by the General Education Provisions Act (Sec. 2(c)(3)). This maintains student privacy.
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Technical Assistance and Best Practices: The Assistant Secretary will provide technical assistance to help entities apply for and receive awards, including the identification and dissemination of best practices (Sec. 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Program Termination: The program is scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2029 (Sec. 2(g)). This means any ongoing support or activities established through this pilot may end at that time.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+8Good For Children+7Good For Young Adults+7Good For Native Americans+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 11/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike KellyRepublican · Pennsylvania
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York