ACHA Collaborates with Congress to Introduce Continuation of Mental Health Care Act

As a result of the 2025 American College Health Association (ACHA) Annual Advocacy Committee Hill Day, ACHA introduced legislation that ensures continuity of mental health care for students, regardless of their geographic location. Specifically, ACHA collaborated with the office of Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) to introduce HR 5357, The College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025.

The bill would authorize college mental health professionals to continue providing services to college students across state lines through telehealth. The legislation does not require campuses to change existing policies or practices; instead, it provides an additional method for continuing mental health services. The bill intentionally would not interfere with the ability of states to participate in existing interstate healthcare compacts that provide licensing reciprocity. While ACHA’s work has ensured a House introduction, we will be shifting our efforts to introduce similar companion legislation in the Senate.

The introduction was cosponsored by the office of Rep. Zachary Nunn (R-IA) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). The office of Rep. Flood will be looking to gain additional cosponsors from both parties to build support for this measure. Additionally, ACHA secured endorsements from higher education organizations that view access to mental health services as a priority. These organizations included the Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I), the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).

“This bill is a crucial step toward building a more supportive and responsive mental health system that meets the needs of today’s college student population,” said American College Health Association (ACHA) CEO James Wilkinson. “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Flood and his colleagues for introducing this legislation to support the mental health and well-being of college students. The Congressman listened to the challenges our members shared and immediately began researching and drafting a solution. His commitment to ensuring students don’t lose access to their mental health services when they leave the state for school breaks or internships is a testament to his dedication to their success.”

The development of this legislation is an example of how ACHA members can come together to address issues impacting the health and well-being of the higher education community. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between campuses, professional organizations, and policymakers in creating solutions that remove barriers to care and expand access to critical mental health services for students nationwide. If enacted, the proposal would serve as a model for how professional associations and lawmakers can work in partnerships to remove barriers, promote continuity of care, and ensure that students receive the mental health and well-being support they need, regardless of state boundaries.

ACHA remains committed to leading the charge for healthier, more supportive college communities. If, as a member, there are policy goals that you would like to see enacted, please share your stories, information, suggestions, questions, and concerns by emailing advocacy@acha.org.