432 Results
APA Urges Additional Access to Mental Health Services Over Phone During COVID-19 Pandemic
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing numbers of Americans are accessing their care through telehealth, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has loosened requirements so that people receiving Medicaid and Medicare can use this vital link to health care. However, many of the most vulnerable patients, especially the serious mentally ill and elderly, are still facing obstacles to this care because they lack the requi
APA Disappointed in Judge’s Ruling Regarding Short-Term, Limited Duration Plans
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) last fall joined six other health organizations in filing a lawsuit against the Administration’s decision to allow for the expanded sale of short-term, limited duration plans (STLDI) in exchange for comprehensive health plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Today, a federal district court judge upheld the government’s regulations regarding STLDI plans. In response, the APA issued the following statements:
Mental Health Impacts of Increasingly Severe Storms: Lessons from the 2017 Atlantic Storm Season
The 2017 Atlantic storm season provides important lessons on the need to anticipate and prepare for the mental health impacts of increasingly severe weather events, according to new research presented here at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2019 Annual Meeting.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Innovation Zone: What's Next in Mental Health Technology? American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is hosting the 2019 Mental Health Innovation Zone, presented by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, U.S.A., a showcase and catalyst for new mental health technologies, as part of its 2019 Annual Meeting. The Innovation Zone is focused on answering the question: "What is next in mental health technology?" It will include lectures, panel discussions, workshops and a "Shark Tank"-style innovation session where attendees can pitch their own product ideas. Topics will i
APA Releases Model Legislation for State Telehealth Advocacy
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, states have swiftly adopted changes to telehealth regulatory policy, resulting in increased access to care. Recognizing that such changes were intended to be temporary, APA has drafted model legislation, with the intention of helping states to retain these new policies by enshrining them into law.
Is CMS Expanding Telemedicine Service Reimbursement?
On July 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare @ Medicaid Services published the proposed 2019 revisions to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. CMS limits telemedicine payment based on service, provider, technology and patient location. Now, CMS is considering reducing some of these restrictions.
APA and ATA Release New Telemental Health Guide
The APA, in conjunction with the American Telemedicine Association, has just released “Best Practices in Videoconferencing-Based Telemental Health,” a guide for mental health providers who want to begin doing telemental health, including telepsychiatry.
Complicated Grief: When Time Doesn’t Ease the Pain of Loss
Everyone will experience loss of loved ones in their lives and grief is a natural response. It is also a very individual process. Anniversaries, holidays, and other milestones are often particularly difficult. As painful as the process of grief can be, with support of family and friends, most people go through it without needing the help of a mental health professional. However, some experience severe, prolonged and disabling grief symptoms, referred to as complicated grief.
ADHD Increasing Among Adults
New research published earlier this month finds the number of adults with ADHD has been increasing. The study in JAMA Open Network found the rate of ADHD has been increasing among adults of all races/ethnicities. However, there were substantially lower rates of detection among minority racial/ethnic subgroups. Rates of ADHD and rates remained highest for whites throughout the 10-year study period.
More Evidence of the Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas
Previous research has tied people’s exposure to natural environments, such as urban green spaces, to better health and mental health. A new study looks at whether a specific type of green space— trees, grass or low-lying vegetation— provides benefits.
Team Sports May Help Build Resilience After Trauma
Traumatic and other negative experiences in childhood can have lasting effects, including increased chances of physical health issues and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. A new study finds that among people who had adverse childhood experiences, participation in sports during adolescence is associated with better adult mental health
Advanced Care Planning – It’s Not Just for Your Grandparents
Many people have heard of the term “advanced care planning.” Advanced care planning is the process of making and documenting decisions about the medical care you want to receive if you ever become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. However, it is a common misbelief that advanced care planning is meant only for people who are nearing the end of their life. Medical crises happen every day, leaving people either temporarily or permanently unable to make their own medical decisions. The