King introduces bill aimed at expanding rural mental health care
The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act would offer federal grants to networks that allow qualified providers to practice in multiple states
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Updated: 8:12 PM EDT Jul 28, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Jon Chrisos
Anchor
King introduces bill aimed at expanding rural mental health care
The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act would offer federal grants to networks that allow qualified providers to practice in multiple states
Updated: 8:12 PM EDT Jul 28, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Jon Chrisos
Anchor
WASHINGTON —
U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) has introduced legislation aimed at making it easier for mental health professionals to treat patients in rural communities
The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act would offer federal grants to networks that allow qualified providers to practice in multiple states
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Mental health professionals are generally licensed by individual states. The interstate networks would allow participating providers to treat patients across state lines without completing a separate registration process in every state
Supporters say that could give rural patients access to a larger pool of mental health professionals, particularly through telehealth
“The expansion of telehealth has been a game changer, especially for rural Maine communities, older adults, and those who might otherwise forgo care due to their inability to pay for or drive to their appointments,” King said in a statement
More than 60% of rural Americans live in areas designated as having a shortage of mental health providers, according to the National Institutes of Health
King said the bill would reduce administrative barriers that make it more difficult for qualified providers to offer services across state lines
NAMI Maine Executive Director Jennifer Thompson said the organization supports the legislation
“We support bipartisan solutions, such as Sen. King’s CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, that ensure individuals, families and communities can find qualified professionals when and where they need them,” Thompson said
King’s office did not provide an estimated cost for the proposal
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