National Groups Focus on Improving Behavioral Health

July 30, 2026

The Trump administration this week announced a new initiative to strengthen the nation’s behavioral health system.

During an event this week, dozens of health care leaders, medical societies, and providers pledged to support the effort, which seeks to advance “best practices to improve patient care and outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health conditions and the chronic disease of addiction.”

The behavioral health leaders discussed:

1. Timely access to high-quality mental health and addiction treatment
2. Evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and recovery support
3. Measurement of quality, outcomes, accountability, and continuous improvement
4. Patient-centered, recovery-focused care that supports long-term wellness
5. Clinical expertise and individualized treatment decisions based on patient needs and the best available evidence
6. Whole-person care is delivered, including addressing chronic physical conditions such as HIV and HCV, in tandem with behavioral health treatment

“This pledge is about raising the standard of care and ensuring every patient can heal and thrive,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, in a statement.

Additional information about the event is available online.