Youth Mental Health Research Act

This bill would create a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative at the National Institutes of Health. It aims to get different NIH institutes working together on studies that help kids and teens. The research would look at how to build resilience, help communities spot and support youth in crisis, and make sure mental health care reaches kids where they live, play, work, and learn. It focuses on both basic science and real-world solutions in clinics, schools, and community settings.

It also sets aside $100 million each year from 2025 through 2030 to fund this work, so projects can be planned and carried out over several years.

• Who is affected: Children and teens; families; schools and community programs; health providers and researchers.
• What changes: New, coordinated NIH research to improve how communities and clinics identify, support, and treat youth mental health needs; focus on practical ways to deliver help where kids are.
• When: Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2025–2030.