Simonsen and McClellan Legislation to Protect Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care
Bill would prevent eligible veterans from being turned away from county mental health programs while awaiting federal services
TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan are advancing legislation to ensure New Jersey veterans can access critical mental health care through county programs without unnecessary delays or denials.
Assembly Bill 1440 would prohibit county mental health programs from denying services to an otherwise eligible veteran solely because the individual may qualify for care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans also could not be denied county services while awaiting a determination of VA eligibility or the availability of federal care.
“Our veterans should never be caught between different levels of government while seeking mental health care,” said Assemblyman Simonsen. “When someone has the courage to ask for help, the answer cannot be to wait weeks or months for another agency to determine whether it will serve them. This legislation ensures qualified veterans can receive care in their communities when they need it.”
Cape May County has already made significant strides toward creating a stronger and more accessible network of support for local veterans. The county is continuing to develop its Veterans Plaza while expanding its presence at County Commons in Rio Grande, where the Division of Veterans’ Services recently moved into a larger, improved office alongside the Cape May County VA Clinic. Together, these resources help connect veterans with benefits assistance, primary care, mental health treatment, PTSD services and other specialized support. In 2024 alone, the county division assisted 938 veterans through individual appointments, welcomed 1,178 walk-in visitors and responded to 1,634 calls.
“Cape May County has demonstrated what it looks like to make veterans’ services more accessible, coordinated and responsive,” said McClellan. “This legislation builds upon that local progress by ensuring veterans throughout New Jersey can obtain mental health support when they need it, without being turned away or left waiting between different systems.”
The bill would formally include veterans among the populations served by New Jersey’s community mental health programs. It would also direct state grants in areas lacking community mental health centers toward initiating or expanding services for veterans in need of care.
Under the legislation, county mental health programs would inform veterans of potential eligibility for VA services and refer them to the appropriate county veterans’ affairs office for assistance. Counties would also be permitted to partner with community-based veterans’ mental health organizations to provide specialized care.