NAMI Releases Issue Brief Exploring Trends in Access to Mental Health Care State Policy

May 8, 2025

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. NAMI released a new publication, Trends in Access to Mental Health Care State Policy. This issue brief provides policy recommendations and highlights of successful state legislation from 2024 to increase access to mental health care.

One of NAMI’s strategic priorities is for people to get the best possible mental health care. There are many barriers to accessible, comprehensive, and affordable mental health care, and studies routinely show that half of adults with mental illness receive treatment in a given year. State policymakers have the opportunity to shape public policies to improve options for individuals and families seeking care. Many of the new state laws in this brief were championed by NAMI State Organizations and their advocates. The brief covers 6 policy areas:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Mental Health Workforce
• Health Insurance
• Medication Access
• Inclusive Care
• Housing

This brief is the second publication in a larger series – NAMI’s 2024 State Legislation Issue Brief Series – which also examines new state mental health laws from 2024 addressing criminal justice (found here) and 988 and crisis services (upcoming). Read Trends in Access to Mental Health Care State Policy here.