Practice Update

Parity in the Spotlight

Full mental health parity is now law

Mental health parity is a great step forward in the fight to end insurance discrimination against those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Summary of the new parity law

The act will end health insurance benefits inequity between mental health/substance use disorders and medical/surgical benefits.

The Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity Act of 2008: Questions and answers for psychologists

Answers about mental health and substance use parity, how the act applies to Medicare and Medicaid patients, network reimbursement and included diagnoses.

In the forefront of advocacy

The APA Practice Organization, along with a broad coalition of organizations, was crucial in achieving this important legislative victory. Grassroots advocacy, direct lobbying on Capitol Hill and political giving helped gain the full mental health parity law.

A letter from Dr. Katherine Nordal

APA Executive Director for Professional Practice Katherine C. Nordal's letter describing passage of mental health parity legislation.