O’Mara applauds passage of bill to provide greater access to mental health treatment
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus June 30, 2026 | 3:24 PM
HARRISBURG, June 30 — State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, a leading advocate of providing greater access to mental health services, today applauded passage of a bill to allow Pennsylvania to join a national compact that helps get mental health treatment to more people in need.
Senate Bill 604 would authorize the state to join the Interstate Counseling Compact, which permits a professional counselor’s home state license to be mutually recognized by other states based on criteria laid out within the language of the compact. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support today and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
O’Mara was the prime sponsor of House Bill 668, the companion House bill that called for joining the same compact as S.B. 604, which was introduced by Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton.
“Pennsylvanians desperately need greater access to mental health providers, which is why I championed this legislation in the House,” O’Mara said. “By joining this compact, we are widening the spectrum of professional health services available to people who really need it. I’m very grateful to all of my colleagues in both chambers who helped move this critical proposal through the General Assembly.”
“Too many Pennsylvanians have done the hardest part already; they've reached out for help, only to find themselves on a waiting list or unable to find a provider at all,” said state Rep. Timothy Brennan, D-Bucks, a lead co-sponsor of the House bill. “Joining this compact is a practical step that recognizes mental health challenges don't stop at state lines, and there’s no reason to restrict someone’s ability to access timely, compassionate care.”
"I am thrilled to see this legislation clear its final hurdle in the House and head to the governor's desk,” Boscola said. “By joining this compact, Pennsylvania is expanding access to mental health care, strengthening our behavioral health workforce, and ensuring patients can continue receiving the care they need, wherever life takes them."
Currently, increased demand for mental health services and a shortage of mental health providers means that finding treatment without a long waitlist can be nearly impossible, O’Mara said.?She noted that more than 62% of Pennsylvania’s communities are underserved in terms of available mental health services.
Meanwhile, more than 23% of adults live with mental illness and more than 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime.
Dr. Joe Charette, president of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, said: “We are thrilled that the commonwealth can now join the 39 other states in the compact. We have worked closely with Rep. O’Mara and Sen. Boscola on this legislation, and we’re eager to see the positive impact it will have.”
PCA’s Government Relations Chair, Dr. Maddie Stevens, added, “Mental healthcare access is critical to the well-being of Pennsylvanians and beyond, and the compact will allow Pennsylvania’s counselors to support this need.”
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