H.R. 4186In committeeEducation
Federal grants would fund school telehealth mental health services
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 4186 would fund school telehealth mental health programs at up to $5M/year from 2026–2029, prioritizing high-poverty and rural districts.60-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 4186 would create a federal grant program administered by the Department of Education with the Department of Health and Human Services. School districts that partner with a local health care provider or educational service agency could apply for funds to set up or improve telehealth programs, allowing students to meet with mental health or behavioral health professionals by video call or similar technology. Priority would go to districts in high-poverty areas, rural communities, and places with existing shortages of health care professionals.
Who does it affect?
K-12 students in underserved communities with limited or no access to mental health services are the primary population affected. School districts, their partner health providers, and school staff hired or trained to run these programs would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
Students in high-poverty, rural, and health-professional-shortage areas currently face the greatest barriers to mental health support, and this program targets those gaps. By 2027, the two federal agencies would be required to report to Congress on program usage and make recommendations on whether to continue or expand it.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Up to $5M authorized per year
- Covers fiscal years 2026–2029
- Cannot replace existing funding
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act
- Introduced:
- June 26, 2025
- Latest action:
- June 26, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
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