The impact of paid sick leave on mental healthcare access

Paid Sick Leave Mandates and Mental Healthcare Service Use

NIH-funded research George Mason University · NIH-11030795

This study looks at how having paid sick leave can help people and families get the mental health care they need by making it easier to schedule appointments without worrying about work.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Mason University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fairfax, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030795 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how paid sick leave mandates affect the use of mental healthcare services among individuals and families. It focuses on the barriers that prevent people from seeking treatment, particularly the time constraints faced by employed individuals who need to schedule appointments around their work hours. By analyzing data from states and cities that have implemented paid sick leave policies, the study aims to understand how these policies can improve access to mental health services. The research employs rigorous quasi-experimental methods to assess the effectiveness of these mandates in enhancing mental healthcare utilization.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include employed individuals and families living in areas with paid sick leave mandates who may struggle to access mental healthcare due to time constraints.

Not a fit: Patients who are unemployed or live in regions without paid sick leave policies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to mental healthcare for individuals and families, ultimately enhancing mental health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that policies like paid sick leave can positively impact healthcare access, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Fairfax, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.