The bill establishes a temporary youth mental health services
program (program) in the office of behavioral health (office) within the department of human services to facilitate access to mental health
services for youth to respond to identified mental health needs, including those needs that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program reimburses providers for up to 3 mental health sessions with a youth and may provide additional reimbursement subject to available money.
As soon as practicable, but no later than May 31, 2021, the
department of human services is required to enter into an agreement with a vendor to create, or use an existing, website or web-based application as a portal available to youth and providers to facilitate the program.
The program is repealed, effective June 30, 2022. The bill makes an appropriation.
