Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025

This bill would create a three‑year VA pilot program to help veterans in mental health crisis get fast care from approved community providers. VA Vet Centers and medical facilities would refer veterans to non‑VA mental health providers, with a goal to connect them within one week. The program must run in at least three locations and start no later than 180 days after the bill becomes law. The VA must build a referral system, approve providers, hire needed staff, and train employees to use the system.

The VA must report each year on how the pilot is working, including how many veterans were referred, how long they waited for care, and how satisfied they were. A final report will judge the program’s success and suggest next steps. The bill authorizes $3,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025–2027 to fund the pilot.

Key points

• Who is affected: Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis who seek help at VA Vet Centers or VA medical facilities.
• What changes: Fast referrals (within one week) to approved non‑VA mental health providers; the VA must set up a referral system, approve providers, hire staff, and train employees; annual and final reports to measure results.
• Where: At least three geographic locations across the country.
• When: Starts within 180 days of enactment and runs for three years; funding is authorized for FY 2025–2027.