WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological, and mental health services in rural areas.
The Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act, will establish Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for advanced psychology trainees, allowing nearly 4,000 trainees to bill for services provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This legislation will 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.
“Wyoming and other rural communities across the country often face the greatest shortage of mental health providers. Long distances and bad weather can make it hard for patients to receive the quality care they deserve,” said Senator Barrasso. “As a doctor, I know firsthand how important it is to recruit and maintain quality mental health professionals. Our bill addresses these issues by giving Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients greater access to mental health services closer to home.”
“Colorado doctors, local leaders, and parents tell me they can’t find enough mental and behavioral health care providers in their communities,” said Senator Bennet. “By removing barriers to treatment, Congress will expand access to these vital services – an important step towards improving access to mental and behavioral health care in this country.”
This legislation is supported by the Wyoming Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
“The American Psychological Association applauds Senators Barrasso and Bennet and Representatives Balderson, DelBene, Dingell, and Miller for introducing the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act, which supports reimbursement for psychology interns and post-doctoral residents in Medicare,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO, American Psychological Association. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help strengthen our nation’s behavioral health infrastructure by increasing opportunities for psychology trainees across the nation, particularly in rural areas. By investing in the next generation of psychologists, the ADAPT Act will contribute to a more robust and resilient psychology workforce, helping to address nationwide shortages.”
“As a practicing psychologist, I am grateful to Senator Barrasso for introducing the ADAPT Act,” said Dr. Alicia Clark, Owner of Big Horn Psychological Services, Acting President of the Wyoming Psychological Association. “Allowing psychology interns to care for aging and developmentally disabled populations complements and diversifies their training, helping them build essential skills to understand the full range of human behavior. Integrating trainees into care improves coordination, preserves access for patients, and strengthens the future mental health workforce.”
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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