Thus far, legislative packages have not addressed needs of mental health and substance use providers, patients, advocates, family members, and communities. The letter includes recommended next steps for Congress and the Administration to address these important needs based on the broad effects COVID-19 will have on the mental and behavioral health care communities.
The American Counseling Association and 88 other Mental Health Organizations have joined forces to request the federal government to not lose focus on mental health providers, substance use providers and their clients during a time of emergency.
Our request of the government is to implement mandatory guidelines that ensures mental health and substance abuse professionals are readily available to all Americans. This includes supplying mental health professionals with the resources they need to assist their clients during a crisis—as well as a focus on guidance for insurance carriers, improved access to telebehavioral health, and grant funds for prevention and intervention during national emergencies.
Read the full letter here.