APA Urges Greater Recognition of Serious Mental Illness in SAMHSA Plan

Prevention of substance abuse and mental illness: APA recommends adding objectives related to collaboration with private, nonprofit initiatives dedicated to detection and early intervention of mental illness in acutely vulnerable population groups, such as children and adolescents. APA further advocates for efforts in schools that educate teachers and other school professionals about the early signs of mental illness and substance use.

Health care and health systems integration: Within models of integrated care, it is essential that the medical psychiatric component is not lost, to ensure that those with SMI receive the appropriate treatment they need to live productive lives. Further, APA recommends that SAMHSA collaboratively develop comprehensive educational materials related to parity implementation for patients, providers, and, especially, government officials who are tasked with enforcing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Additionally, SAMHSA should work with other agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national database in which patient and provider complaints are tracked to identify patterns of discrimination; this information should be publicized to inform consumers about which carriers have complaints against them concerning noncoverage of mental health treatment. Also, APA recommends that a Mental Health Parity Bill of Rights, which sets out an employee’s rights under MHPAEA, be posted by applicable employers in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other appropriate health care settings.

Health information technology: APA recommends that SAMHSA provide the greatest amount of technical support possible for psychiatrists who are eligible for the individual physician incentive within the HITECH program.

Workforce development: “Due to the significant shortage of psychiatrists, it is of great concern that historically SAMHSA has not included psychiatrists in its proposals for increased workforce development,” Levin wrote. “Psychiatrists are integral to the medical home for patients suffering from SMI. The development and training of a diverse psychiatric physician workforce, including public-sector psychiatrist leaders who are trained in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care models, is critical to the medical and mental well-being of those individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. APA recommends that SAMHSA prioritize its advocacy and programmatic activities concerning the development and training of a robust psychiatrist workforce.”