The impact of paid sick leave on mental healthcare access
Official title: Paid Sick Leave Mandates and Mental Healthcare Service Use
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11030795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $444,170 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132552-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are unemployed or live in regions without paid sick leave policies may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maclean, Johanna Catherine — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Maclean, Johanna Catherine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.