21st Century Cures is a step in the right direction for behavioral health

Often considered the social outcast of healthcare, behavioral health has long struggled to obtain legitimacy in the eyes of the general medical community. But with more than 60 million Americans effected every year from mental illness, something has to change.

 

Further reading: Isn't it time for a 21st Century Pain asessment?

 

The 21st Century Cures Act is widely touted as a major win for behavioral health advocacy and better clinical outcomes. Given the overwhelming acceptance in Congress (94 in favor to 5 opposed in the Senate and 392 in favor to 26 opposed in the House of Representatives), it’s evident that even the staunchest of political opponents sees the importance of the act.

The law is far from perfect, with only a fraction of the funds going to behavioral health, but the Cures Act is a significant step in the right direction for the mental health community to be more accepted as a part of whole patient healthcare.

Finally, An Advocate in Government

In the past, government has rarely taken a definitive stand for the mental health community. One of the most prominent actions taken came in the form of The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008 (MHPAEA)-a federal law that ensured group health plans would offer similar benefits compared to those of medical or surgical benefits.

 

Related reading: This is why behavioral health is the new frontier in primary care

 

Internal server error