# Plain Language Summary: Crisis Counseling Act

When a major disaster strikes—like a hurricane, earthquake, or flood—people often need mental health support to cope with trauma and stress. This bill makes sure that when the President officially declares a major disaster, states, cities, and Native American tribes can immediately get federal funding and approval for crisis counseling services without having to wait for additional paperwork or bureaucratic delays.

Currently, after a disaster is declared, communities have to go through a process to request and get approval for mental health assistance programs. This bill removes that waiting period and makes the approval automatic. So if a community needs counselors to help people deal with disaster-related anxiety, depression, or trauma, they can start providing those services right away and get the federal money to pay for them without jumping through extra hoops. This matters because people in crisis need help quickly—waiting weeks for approvals while communities are still in shock and dealing with immediate needs can mean people don't get the mental health support they desperately need during their most vulnerable time.

The practical effect is straightforward: disaster victims get faster access to counseling and mental health services, and local governments don't have to spend time and resources fighting through red tape to provide these services. It's designed to recognize that mental health support is just as critical as other disaster relief efforts like emergency shelter or food assistance.

Crisis Counseling Act

Cárdenas, Tony

Crisis Counseling Act This bill provides for immediate approval of any request by a state, local, or tribal government for crisis counseling and training after the President declares a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.