#United States #mental health #Washington #URAC #Kennedy Forum

Enhancing Mental Health Care Accessibility and Quality

In a significant move towards improving mental health care in the United States, URAC and The Kennedy Forum have formed a partnership to enhance access, quality, and accountability in mental health services. This collaboration was officially announced on World Mental Health Day, a date that emphasizes the mental health challenges faced by many individuals.

The theme for this year’s observance is "Lived experiences heard, real voices, real change," highlighting the importance of incorporating individuals' experiences into mental health policies and services. The World Health Organization has stressed the need for those directly impacted by mental health issues to be included in making decisions that influence the design and delivery of care. Both URAC and The Kennedy Forum are committed to such inclusive approaches.

The Kennedy Forum has long been a champion for mental health parity, advocating for mental health to be recognized as essential health. Their ambitious goal—known as the 90-90-90 initiative—aims for 90% of Americans to be screened for mental health and addiction, with 90% receiving quality treatment, and 90% achieving recovery. Meanwhile, URAC, with over 35 years of expertise, focuses on creating independent, evidence-based standards that help health care organizations implement and measure quality and accountability.

Together, these organizations strive to address the widening gap between the promise of equal coverage for mental health services and the actual experiences of those trying to access care. Shawn Griffin, MD, President and CEO of URAC, emphasized that "Mental health is health, and parity has to mean more than a benefit document." He believes that timely access to mental health and addiction care is essential, a reality URAC and The Kennedy Forum are determined to actualize.

Under current legislation, health plans and insurance providers are required to offer mental health treatment on par with medical and surgical care. URAC supports this aim through its Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Accreditation and ParityManager®, tools that assist organizations in strengthening their compliance with parity regulations.

Recent data reveal significant disparities in access to mental health and addiction care compared to physical health services. The Kennedy Forum’s newly launched Mental Health Parity Index highlights these differences, showing network-access disparities in 43 states and in seven out of 10 counties analyzed. Patrick J. Kennedy, co-author of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and co-founder of The Kennedy Forum, stated, "We must continually fight to increase access to health care for everyone, and that care must include equal coverage for mental health and addiction treatment."

This partnership represents a crucial step towards systemic changes in mental health care. URAC and The Kennedy Forum are not only aligning their efforts around accreditation, advocacy, and policy but also focusing on making mental health care more accessible and accountable. Their goal is to ensure that mental health receives equal emphasis and support as physical health within the health care system.

About URAC

URAC stands out as the leading independent health care accreditation organization in the United States, dedicated to fostering quality, accountability, and trust in the health care system for 35 years. By developing rigorous, evidence-based accreditation programs for a variety of health care sectors, including mental health, URAC strives for continuous improvement that signals commitment to high standards.

About The Kennedy Forum

The Kennedy Forum envisions a future where mental health and addiction are treated as core health issues. Their goals are ambitious, focusing on ensuring that 90% of Americans are screened, treated, and achieve recovery in mental health care. Founded by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, the organization plays a pivotal role in reforming the mental health landscape.

This partnership is a powerful alliance that seeks tangible improvements for mental health care in the U.S., ensuring that every individual has the access to the care they so critically need.