INDIANAPOLIS – A state commission says Indiana needs significantly more funding to address Hoosiers’ mental health.

The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission was formed in 2020 to find ways to improve mental health services in Indiana. As the commission began its work, the pandemic took hold, which further increased the demand for treatment and counseling.

The commission says Indiana needs to increase its funding for mental health services by 60% over the next four years.

Next session, a group of Indiana lawmakers plan to introduce a bill focused on the commission’s recommendations, including increased funding for mental health.

The commission is also calling for a $1 surcharge on phone bills to help fund the 988 mental health crisis hotline and response system, which went live nationwide over the summer.

A bill has not been drafted yet. Lawmakers would start considering any proposals in January.