Policy & Advocacy

Leaders in Mental Health Advocacy

Founded in 1909, Mental Health America (MHA) - with more than 200 affiliates across the United States - is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

MHA collaborates with scientists, practitioners, policy experts, advocates, and other community leaders to design policy recommendations that promote:

• Prevention for all, 

• Early identification and intervention for those at risk,

• Integrated health, behavioral health and other services for those who need it, and 

• Recovery as the goal.

​Privacy and information sharing have been major issues in Congress. See our recommendation to promote health care integration.

What's Happening on Capitol Hill

Learn more about some mental health legislation that has been introduced in the 115th Congress and where it falls in line with Mental Health America's legislative priorities.

In lieu of In lieu of 2019 Hill Day, join “Mental Health Advocacy Mondays” in May and take action to inform elected officials about critical mental health and substance use issues. Download the Act B4Stage4 Toolkit for content and tools to help you talk to federal and state legislators “Back Home” in your state! 

Position Statements

Our position statements guide our policy and advocacy work.

Regional Policy Council

Mental Health America's Regional Policy Council is made up of affiliate policy leaders from around the country and strengthens our advocacy work at the state and federal levels.

Webinars

Throughout the year, MHA partners with a number of other leaders in the field to hold webinars on various mental health topics and policy issues.