Pass the ASSIST Act

Schools play a vital role in preventing, identifying early, and addressing students’ mental health and substance use challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many schools lack adequate resources and staff to provide effective and accessible MH/SUD services and supports.[1]

The ASSIST Act would establish a new grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services to help schools and school-based health centers hire and retain qualified MH/SUD providers, such as counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The ASSIST Act would also permanently increase the federal government’s share of Medicaid reimbursement of school-based services, including MH/SUD care, to 90 percent.[2] This would help states sustainably increase the rate of pay for school-based providers, which would help reduce provider shortages and turnover. A higher Medicaid reimbursement rate would also reduce the administrative burden on schools and states to claim Medicaid reimbursement for school-based services.

By passing the ASSIST Act, Congress can make a significant investment in the mental health and well-being of our nation’s students. School-based MH/SUD care can improve access to care, allow for early identification and treatment of MH/SUD challenges, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote academic achievement and positive youth development.[3] The ASSIST Act would help ensure that every student has access to the behavioral health services they need to thrive.