Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds and Tina Smith have reintroduced the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2025, aiming to expand mental health resources in rural areas. This legislation proposes a grant program to fund projects providing mental health services to underserved individuals in these regions, particularly those involved in farming, fishing, and forestry.

Senator Rounds emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care for South Dakotans: "Every South Dakotan who is struggling with mental health deserves easy access to the care they need." He highlighted that telemental health capabilities could provide quality care from home, saving time and resources while offering crucial support for rural citizens.

Senator Smith shared her personal experience with depression, noting that many lack access to necessary mental or behavioral health care. "Our bipartisan bill will help health providers in rural areas expand tele-mental health care services," she stated.

The proposed act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for expanding remote mental health services without authorizing new spending, utilizing previously allocated funds instead.

The legislation has received endorsements from Avera Health, Monument Health, Sanford Health, and the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations. Thomas Otten from Avera Health praised the initiative for addressing significant treatment needs in agriculture-related industries. Alan Solano from Monument Health acknowledged its potential to eliminate barriers for isolated individuals facing mental health issues. David Newman from Sanford Health expressed gratitude for Senator Rounds' leadership on this issue.

Tim Rave of SDAHO also supported the proposal: "It will provide increased access to mental health care for those living in rural medically underserved populations."