Mental health advocates are also seeking amendments to the law they say may interfere with treatment of potentially dangerous people and discourage them from seeking help.

WSJ: NY to exempt TV, movies under state's new gun law

As shocking as this was to mental health advocates, policymakers across the country -- even in comparatively liberal states like Maryland -- are arguing that in the face of other urgent and competing priorities, strengthening the mental health system is too expensive for states to pursue.

CNN: America has to tackle its suicide problem

Secretary Sebelius will meet with mental health and disability advocates.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

The revisions have been a long time in the making, the first draft of the new edition being made public in early 2010, and receiving some 13, 000 comments from advocates, mental health clinicians, and researchers, which had to be taken into account as the DSM revisions evolved.

FORBES: What Effect Will Changes To The DSM-5 Have On People With (And Without) Mental Health Issues?

In some cases, gun-rights advocates are seeking mental health reforms as an alternative to more gun laws.

NPR: After Shootings, States Rethink Mental Health Cuts

Transgender advocates have argued that these mental health problems are usually reduced dramatically by sex reassignment surgery.

FORBES: Is Sex Reassignment Surgery a Basic Human Right?

He also advocates an increase in federal funding for mental health treatment to anyone who needs it.

CNN: Social media abuzz over Piers Morgan vs. Alex Jones

He is the co-editor of "Police Suicide: Tactics for Prevention, " which advocates peer support and stress management programs and emphasizes the importance of mental health treatment and a culture in which asking for help is not seen as a poor career move or a sign of weakness.

CNN: Cops, suicide and a father's cause