Barrasso, Bennet Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Areas

U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and  Democrat Michael Bennet of Colorado, recently introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological, and mental health services in rural areas. According to Senator Barrasso’s Office, the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees Act will establish Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for advanced psychology trainees, allowing nearly 4,000 trainees to bill for services provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

The legislation is intended to help rural areas across the country expand access to mental health services, improve recruitment of mental and behavioral health providers, and will help reduce burnout among our current mental health care workforce.

Senator Barrasso said Wyoming and other rural communities across the country often face the greatest shortage of mental health providers, as long distances and bad weather can make it hard for patients to receive the quality care they deserve. Barrasso added that as a doctor, he knows firsthand how important it is to recruit and maintain quality mental health professionals and the ADAPT Act addresses these issues by giving Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients greater access to mental health services closer to home. This legislation is supported by the Wyoming Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.