Psychiatric News (6/4) reports that the American Psychiatric Association “was well represented at [yesterday’s] National Conference on Mental Health hosted by President Obama and Vice-President Biden at the White House.” Conference invitees included APA President Jeffrey Lieberman, MD, Psychiatric News Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Borenstein, MD, and APA President-elect Paul Summergrad, MD. After the conference, Dr. Lieberman said, “We commend the Administration’s efforts through this national dialogue to focus attention and resources on important mental health issues and the need to eliminate stigma and improve access to quality care for all individuals who need mental health services.” Dr. Lieberman added, “An important part of that access is insurance coverage for mental health treatment, and we look forward to working with the Administration to fully implement parity for mental health care nationwide.”
In a news release (pdf) covering the event, the American Psychiatric Association wrote, “In an effort to help better address mental health issues in the primary care setting, APA is partnering with the American Medical Association to disseminate educational materials developed by the APA to help physicians in all specialties better integrate mental health screenings into their practices, reduce misperceptions of mental illness, and direct patients to additional mental health services when needed.”
Related Links:
— “APA Representatives Attend White House Mental Health Conference, Psychiatric News, June 03, 2013.