What We Do

What We Do
The Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) is a coalition of national organizations representing consumers, family members, mental health and addiction providers, advocates, payers and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Americans’ access to mental health and addiction care. As trusted leaders in the field, our 60+ member organizations are dedicated to elevating the national conversation around mental health and addiction. Together, we work to advance federal policies that support prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery services and supports.

What’s New

Fifth Annual Hill Staff Champions

On December 7, the MHLG recognized its 2023 cohort of congressional staff champions for their outstanding contributions to mental and behavioral health in the U.S.

Mariah Phillips, Office of Representative Tony Cardenas
Ashley Palmer, Minority Staff, Senate LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee
Garrett Daniel, Office of Senator Thom Tillis
Gray Rixey, Office of Senator Thom Tillis
John Chambliss, Office of Senator Alex Padilla
Christina McCauley, Office of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Crozer Conner, Office of Representative Mike Thompson

Capitol Hill Briefings and Events

November 13, 2023: Peer Support Services and the Peer Support Workforce

Hosted by MHLG, Mental Health America, the National Association of Peer Supporters, and the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, in conjunction with the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus and the Congressional Mental Health Caucus

October 17, 2023: Senate Mental Health Caucus, Launch Reception

Hosted by the MHLG, National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

October 10, 2023: Chronic Conditions and Suicide Prevention

Hosted by the MHLG, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and the Tourette Association of America in conjunction with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, Congressional Tourette Syndrome Caucus, Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, and House Suicide Prevention Task Force

July 20, 2023: Maternal Mortality and the Mental Health Crisis

Hosted by the MHLG, American Psychiatric Association, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in partnership with the Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and Congresswoman Robin Kelly

MHLG Special Session

A bipartisan conversation with Rep. Seth Moulton and Rep. Chris Stewart on 988, mental health and the future of crisis services, April 18, 2023. Mental Health Liaison Group

Mental Health Liaison Group Honors Reps. Napolitano and Katko for Congressional Leadership in Mental Health Reform

On December 8, 2022, the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) presented its first-ever MHLG Congressional Leadership Award to Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) and Rep. John Katko (R-NY) for their outstanding leadership of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and stalwart support of mental health reform legislation. 

Representatives Napolitano and Katko demonstrated exemplary, bipartisan leadership as co-chairs of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. They also worked together to introduce crucial mental health bills, such as the Mental Health Services for Students Act and the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act. Additionally, they have sponsored numerous congressional briefings and activities that raised awareness of mental health issues on Capitol Hill and beyond. 

The MHLG is deeply grateful for Representatives Napolitano and Katko’s vision and unfailing commitment to increasing mental health awareness among their colleagues and the public, reducing mental health stigma, and improving access to mental health services. Under their leadership, bipartisan membership of the Caucus has grown, and all Americans have benefited from their extraordinary efforts.

Fourth Annual Hill Staff Champions

On December 8, the Mental Health Liaison Group recognized its 2022 cohort of congressional staff champions for their long-standing support for mental health and substance use treatment policies and programs. MHLG thanks this year’s winner for their tremendous work and dedication on behalf of our community.