ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday highlighted new investments in mental health services included in Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget during a visit to the Lehigh County Crisis Intervention Center, saying the funding will expand access to crisis care and strengthen behavioral health services across the Commonwealth.

The budget includes $10 million in the first dedicated state funding for 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, following three consecutive years of state investments in student and community mental health.

It also provides $5 million for walk-in behavioral health crisis stabilization centers, with priority given to communities that have limited access to immediate in-person care.

“We’re investing in county mental health services,” Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said the goal is to ensure people across the state can quickly access help during a mental health emergency.

“We just want to make sure that no matter where you live in the Commonwealth, if you have a crisis, you can call 988,” Arkoosh said.

The new funding will allow the Department of Human Services to double the number of 988 centers that respond to chat and text messages from three to six.

It also will help counties allow 911 operators to make a warm handoff to 988 when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and ensure every 988 center in Pennsylvania can provide around-the-clock coverage.

Shapiro also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve mental health insurance coverage in the state.

“We will not approve a health insurance plan in our commonwealth unless it has real mental health parity,” Shapiro said.

Craig Taylor, a Lehigh County 988 crisis counselor, said the state’s continued investment is already having an impact.

“We thank you for your continued dedication to mental health initiatives like this one because it is making a difference,” Taylor said.

Shapiro said increasing public awareness, particularly among younger people, is helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.