C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to help mental health professionals work across state lines by supporting interstate agreements that allow licenses to be recognized in multiple states. The funding, totaling $4 million annually from 2026 to 2029, will go to state licensing boards and compact commissions to encourage counselors to practice in areas with these new agreements and to maintain the administrative systems that make them work. By simplifying the licensing process, the legislation aims to expand the availability of mental health services in states that have joined these mutual recognition programs.