H.R. 5357 — College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025

This section authorizes a college mental health provider—employed by an institution of higher education (IHE) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001) and licensed or authorized in the primary state (i.e., the state where the IHE is located)—to furnish telehealth mental health services to a covered student (i.e., current enrollee or individual who attended courses at the IHE within the prior three months) located in any other state, notwithstanding other federal or state law, unless affirmatively excluded by that state. Prior to furnishing services, the provider must (1) verify the student's identity; (2) obtain oral or written acknowledgments of intent to receive telehealth services and, for initial contact, understanding of the treatment relationship or provide real-time communication; and (3) confirm multiple telehealth contact methods for technological failures. The provider must practice within the primary state's scope of licensure (except avoiding services or manners prohibited in the student's state), and malpractice insurance must treat such services as provided in the primary state. The section also grants congressional consent to interstate compacts among states to facilitate such services.