Senate holds hearing on mental health care policy solutions

Jun 15, 2021 - 02:03 PM
senate-hearing-rountable

The Senate Finance Committee today held a hearing to examine how to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and address inequities. 

Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ranking Member Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, voiced strong support for addressing the crisis in access, which recent reports suggest has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Several senators noted the severe shortages in the behavioral health workforce and the need to better integrate physical and behavioral health care. Additionally, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., announced that she and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., would introduce legislation today to expand the number of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

Witnesses at the hearing included Michelle Durham, M.D., a psychiatrist at Boston Medical Center; the executive director of a CCBHC in rural Oregon; chief strategy officer for Well Being Trust; and a former Medicaid director and mental health commissioner for Arizona. 
 

Related News Articles

Blog
Leading with Care: How Hospitals Can Lead the Next Era of Behavioral Health
Across the country, hospitals and health systems are working to meet the increasing demand for behavioral health care. As health needs evolve, many times the…
Headline
AHA releases report on behavioral health integration in pediatrics
The AHA Nov. 7 released “Integrating Behavioral Health into Pediatric Care: Hospital-led Solutions to a Growing Crisis,” featuring five case studies on how the…
Headline
AHA video highlights hospital-community partnerships in New Orleans 
The AHA collaborated with LCMC Health in New Orleans to spotlight innovative efforts that extend care beyond hospital walls. LCMC Health supports families…
Headline
OIG says MA, Medicaid managed care plans have limited, inaccurate behavioral health provider networks 
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…
Headline
Blog shares ways to support resident mental health, well-being
An AHA blog published Sept. 16 highlights programs and practices by Boston Medical Center leaders and staff that support residents’ mental health, emotional…
Headline
Blog examines the effects of suicide in rural communities
Susan Doherty, AHA’s vice president of field engagement, and Rebecca Chickey, AHA’s senior director of behavioral health services, write on the unique ways…