National Council for Mental Wellbeing Ready to Work With New Congress to Expand Access to Care

WASHINGTON (Nov. 4, 2026) — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing today congratulated the candidates elected Nov. 3 and said it is ready to work with members of both parties, in both chambers, to expand access to mental health and substance use care. 

“Mental health and substance use challenges affect people in every state and every congressional district, regardless of political affiliation. Our commitment to the people living with those challenges doesn’t change with the majority,” said Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council. “Congratulations to everyone newly elected and reelected. Our members are the community organizations that answer the phone when someone is in crisis and deliver crucial care every day, and they’re ready to show lawmakers what works.” The behavioral health field enters the 120th Congress with fewer resources and growing demand for care. States and community providers are preparing for reduced federal Medicaid funding. A persistent workforce shortage limits the number of people providers can serve. These challenges are serious, but they are solvable, and meaningful solutions will require bipartisan action. 

The record shows it can be done. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, created through bipartisan legislation a decade ago, now operate in 46 states and the District of Columbia. They’ve become a bipartisan standard for community care. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched with bipartisan support. More than 5 million Americans have trained in Mental Health First Aid since the National Council brought it to the U.S. in 2008. 

Over the next two years, the National Council will work with Congress and the administration to:

• Protect access to mental health and substance use care by improving coverage and expanding community-based care, including the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.
• Build a more integrated mental health and substance use system of care spanning prevention, crisis response, treatment and recovery.
• Strengthen the behavioral health workforce so providers can recruit, retain and support the teams their communities need.
• Modernize financing and care delivery to improve quality, support innovation and bring effective approaches to more people.

“Nobody in this field is facing these challenges alone, and no party can solve them alone either,” Ingoglia said. “Working with the new Congress, we can make real change in the lives of people living with mental health and substance use challenges in communities across the country. We plan to think differently, act more strategically and stay resilient. We’re ready to work with anyone who wants to make tomorrow better, bigger and brighter for people who need care.”