Congressman Kean introduces bipartisan bill to expand veterans’ access to mental health services

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding access to mental health counseling for veterans and their families across the country.

Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, introduced the Veterans Centers-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement for Mental Health Act of 2026, or Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, alongside Reps. Kim Schrier, D-Wash.; Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.; Sean Casten, D-Ill.; and Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.

The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to use census information and VA statistical data to help ensure veterans have access to a Vet Center.

“Veterans sacrifice so much to keep our nation safe and deserve access to quality mental health care close to home,” said Congressman Kean. “Many veterans in New Jersey and across the country are faced with long, sometimes impossible travel to get the help they need. I worked across the aisle to find a solution. This bill, the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, would increase access to mental health facilities and ensure our veterans receive access to the benefits they earned.

Vet Centers provide a range of services to veterans and their families, including mental health counseling for combat veterans and veterans who experienced military sexual assault. The centers also provide bereavement services to families of service members who die while on duty.

“We have a clear responsibility to make sure that those who have served and protected our country receive the best service and care possible. Recent tragedies in Washington state and Veterans mental health crises across our country are stark reminders of why we need to address the Veteran mental health care gap,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “For rural communities in Washington state, Vet Centers are often hours away and understaffed. We need to do more to ensure Veterans have accessible care that works for them. This bill will ensure that Veterans and their families can easily access centers and mental health resources, improving the health of our entire communities and supporting those who have served our country.”

Unlike some other VA services, Vet Centers also provide services to family members in addition to eligible veterans.