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Washington, DC - Representatives Gene Green (D-TX) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced H.R. 2066, the Graduate Psychology Education Act of 2009. This bill will reauthorize the Graduate Psychology Education Program, and will address the shortage of mental health professionals and add more psychologists to the health care system.
“There continue to be large gaps in access to mental health resources, especially for underserved and poor communities,” said Green. “There are many factors that limit access to mental health care from underfunding to a shortage of professionals to lack of insurance. This bill will help close the gaps in access to those who otherwise may not seek treatment.”
In a recent report conducted by the Commonwealth Health Fund, about two-thirds of U.S. primary care physicians reported that they could not get outpatient mental health services for their patients. Often there were not enough mental health care providers, and this rate was at least twice as high as for other services. In states that have enacted mental health parity legislation, physicians faced fewer challenges and were more likely to find mental health services for their patients.
“Effective and timely mental health treatment is a critical component to maintaining physical health. Studies show that untreated depression increases the risk of chronic diseases, and can double the cost of healthcare for heart disease and diabetes. It can and does cost lives. And yet, it is more treatable than many other medical diseases if properly diagnosed and addressed. This bill opens up the door for those who need mental health services by breaking down the barriers for those in underserved communities," said Murphy.
The Graduate Psychology Education Program (GPEP) is the only federal program dedicated solely to the education and training of psychologists. This program awards grants to programs that allow psychologists to work with other health professionals to provide mental and behavioral health services to underserved populations including elderly, children, chronically ill persons, and victims of trauma or abuse.
Since the first grants were awarded in FY 2002, a total of 52 programs in 27 states have received over $20 million in GPEP funding. The Graduate Psychology Education Act of 2009 will reauthorize the program at $70 million over the next 5 years. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI) has introduced S. 811 as the companion bill in the Senate.
“Untreated mental illnesses can double the cost of healthcare. Without integrating the care of our physical health with our mental health, our current system is wasting billions of dollars. This bill helps save lives and money," said Murphy.
“As the demand for affordable health care across the country continues to grow, it is essential that we address the health professional shortage to ensure all individuals have access to the services they need,” said Green.
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