US SB4137

Secretary of Veterans Affairs would establish a 3-year pilot program awarding grants up to $1,500,000 annually per facility to non-profit mental health providers for culturally competent, evidence-based outpatient mental health care for veterans

Eligible providers must be non-profits operating at least one U.S. outpatient mental health facility continuously for 3+ years, with at least one clinician at each facility trained in culturally competent veterans mental health care

Grant recipients may not charge veterans fees for mental health care or refuse treatment based on lack of insurance or government program eligibility, though providers may seek reimbursement from other sources

Grants must be distributed evenly between rural and urban areas, with priority given to medically underserved areas, large veteran populations, locations near military installations, and areas with high veteran suicide risk

Authorizes $20,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-2027, with a required report to Congress within 180 days of program completion detailing outcomes, demographics served, and obstacles encountered