GOVERNMENT

Mental health system needs major therapy, Congress told

States say federal funding is necessary to bring to fruition the goals outlined by the president's commission.

By Joel B. Finkelstein, AMNews staff. Nov. 24, 2003.

Washington -- Mental health experts say congressional lawmakers will need to act in order to meet the goals laid out in the final report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

In response to the report, which called for wholesale changes to the mental health system, the Bush administration has started formulating a "to do" list, said Charles G. Curie, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

SAMHSA is also coordinating with other federal agencies to provide states with the flexibility and incentives to better use available resources, he testified at a recent Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing.

However, "it is difficult to conceive that administrative action alone can transform a system described as 'in shambles,' " said Michael M. Faenza, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Assn. in Washington, D.C.

Experts said Congress needs to lead the way to reform.

"The problems pinpointed by the commission span a range of challenges ... but this committee can play a vital role in crafting needed solutions," testified Faenza. "Importantly, this committee's leadership in reauthorizing and giving new policy direction to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can establish a framework for powerful change."

He suggested that during its reauthorization process for SAMHSA, the committee consider revisions to the agency's charter that could make it an "even more effective focal point for ... leadership to states and communities."

[...]

Full text of AMNews content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.

Access details

Join the AMA