The COMFORT Act makes it easier for military families to get mental health counseling by removing location restrictions. Right now, military families often have to travel to specific bases or facilities to see a counselor, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. This bill allows licensed mental health professionals who work for the military—whether they're active duty members, civilian employees, or contractors—to provide counseling services from anywhere, and to serve clients anywhere, as long as both the provider and the person receiving help are in the United States or a U.S. territory. This means a military spouse could get therapy from home via video call, or a service member stationed overseas could connect with a counselor remotely. The main goal is to make mental health support more accessible and convenient for military families by removing the requirement that counseling has to happen in person at a specific location.

COMFORT Act

Sinema, Kyrsten

Comforting Our Military Families through On-base or Remote Treatment Act or the COMFORT Act This bill authorizes mental health professionals to provide nonmedical counseling services to military families regardless of where the provider or recipient is located, so long as the provision of services is (1) in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession, and (2) within the scope of the authorized duties of the provider. For purposes of the bill, mental health professionals include individuals who are licensed or certified mental health providers and are members of the uniformed services, civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees, or DOD contractors.