Mental health care must be a national priority
To the Times: As we become acquainted with our new presidential administration and the subsequent changes in policy, it is useful to reflect on the status of mental health care in the Unites States and its implications for the future of patient care. Although health care policy exists on many levels of government, the presidential platform for mental health policy has often set the tone. However, Donald Trump’s stance on mental health is wavering and non-specific unlike some of his campaign competitors. As of February, he has not announced any specific plan to address the mental health needs of America other than a vague allusion to reform in response to gun violence. Mental health issues have even failed to make the cut for the “Issues” page of the White House (WhiteHouse. gov). Topics such as the oversaturation of college counseling services, increased suicidality and homicidality, and opioids and addiction (among many others), have scarcely been whispered if mentioned at all in his speeches and press releases.
Although we don’t know much about Donald Trump’s stance on mental health issues, we can make some guesses about how the terrain will look going forward by focusing on the Affordable Care Act repeal. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, both mental health and substance use disorders were covered. Additionally, all plans were mandated to cover behavioral health treatment, mental and behavioral health inpatient services, and substance use disorders treatment. Finally, pre-existing psychological conditions were included in basic coverage. Unfortunately, these services will likely not be provided going forward in the replacement plan.
As our knowledge base of health care increases, we take on more responsibility to provide care to those who need it. Mental health is one area that has seen tremendous growth in treatment efficacy and continued reform in diagnostics and assessment, but still realizes underserved treatment in the population. For example, according to Mental Health America, 56 percent of adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment who needed it. Therefore, continuing to cover mental health diagnoses and pre-existing conditions through governmentfunded health care is a priority.
If it is not possible to decipher the platform of the new administration on mental health issues, the next logical step is continued advocacy and education. The federal and state governments are influential organizations that you can lobby to improve mental health care in various areas. For instance, substance use disorders and pain management is an important area to invest time and energy in for treatment. Because it is interdisciplinary in nature, changes need to take place on several levels. Increases in quality and quantity of substance use treatment facilities (especially in low-income areas) will provide many with the treatment they require. And by promoting more interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health professionals and medical professionals, patients can receive appropriate physiological and psychological co-treatment. Finally, by funding more options for non-pharmacological pain management treatment along with medication-based management, patients will have a much more collaborative and effective resource for their pain.
Psychiatric illness coverage is a concluding (but in no way terminal) area in need of further coverage and government intervention. It is a complex series of illnesses to treat and requires the appropriate attention and concern. Effective treatment includes medication and therapy, along with appropriate facilities for housing. As a result, this population is often one of the most neglected in mental health care legislation. Medication must be covered by basic health care in order for these patients to succeed in life, as well as continued educational interventions for law enforcement to increase their awareness of psychotic episodes.
Clearly mental health care and awareness is a part of our society that is quickly growing and needs an appropriate response in policy change. As providers and concerned citizens, we can help by lobbying and advocating for mental health policy that will serve the needs of our friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones who struggle with mental illness. We can also work to reduce the stigma that mental illness holds by normalizing therapeutic and pharmacological interventions and supporting those around us. The current administration should be aware that mental health is a vital, integrative, and complex area of life that must remain at the forefront of policy and decision-making processes in our country. Leave your comments online Use hashtag at