EARLY Minds Act

The EARLY Minds Act amends federal mental health law to require states to include evidence-based prevention and early intervention strategies for children and adolescents in their mental health plans. It allows states to use up to 5% of their annual federal mental health funding to support these programs, targeting youth before serious mental illness develops. States must report biennially to Congress on program details, demographics served, and outcomes like reduced treatment delays and milder symptom onset. The bill directly affects states receiving federal mental health funds and focuses on youth mental health prevention. It does not change existing eligibility for treatment but expands funding flexibility for early care.