Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veteran Mental Health Services

September 1, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently introduced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act to expand access to mental health counseling for Veterans and their families. This bill aims to ensure that underserved areas, including areas of Central and Eastern Washington, are eligible for additional VA Vet Centers to provide in-person mental health care. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Steve Cohen (TN-09). “We have a clear responsibility to make sure that those who have served and protected our country receive the best service and care possible. Recent tragedies in Washington state and Veterans mental health crises across our country are stark reminders of why we need to address the Veteran mental health care gap,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “For rural communities in Washington state, Vet Centers are often hours away and understaffed. We need to do more to ensure Veterans have accessible care that works for them. This bill will ensure that Veterans and their families can easily access centers and mental health resources, improving the health of our entire communities and supporting those who have served our country.” Around a third of returning service members have reported experiencing symptoms of depression, and the Veterans suicide crisis is severe. In 2023, suicide rates among Veterans were 35.2 per 100,000 – compared to 16.9 per 100,000 for non-Veteran American adults. The Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act would ensure a Vet Center or outstation is established for either every 55,000 Veterans or every 30,000 square miles. Vet Centers provide a range of services to Veterans and their families, including mental health counseling to combat Veterans and those who suffered military sexual assault and bereavement services. Vet Centers’ practice of providing services to families in addition to the affected Veterans is also unique in the VA Veteran care space. “Veterans sacrifice so much to keep our nation safe and deserve access to quality mental health care close to home,” said Congressman Kean. “Many veterans in New Jersey and across the country are faced with long, sometimes impossible travel to get the help they need. I worked across the aisle to find a solution. This bill, the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act , would increase access to mental health facilities and ensure our veterans receive access to the benefits they earned.” ### Issues : Congress Veterans