AMA adopts policy to improve physician access to mental health care

CHICAGO — With growing concern among the medical community and the public regarding physician and medical student depression, burnout, and suicide, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted policy during its Annual Meeting continuing its efforts aimed at improving physician access to mental health care. The new policy will help reduce stigma associated with mental health illness to ensure physicians are able to seek the care they need for burnout, anxiety, depression, and substance-related disorders without fear of punitive treatment or licensure and career restrictions.

“We are deeply concerned that physicians and physicians-in-training are oftentimes discouraged from seeking mental health services because they are afraid that publicly disclosing a mental health issue would unfairly stigmatize them and impede their ability to obtain a medical license,” said AMA Immediate Past President David O. Barbe, M.D. “Too many of our physician colleagues are dealing with burnout, depression and even suicidal thoughts — with physicians facing a higher rate of suicide than the general population. We must do everything we can to improve physician wellness and eliminate any barriers that stand in the way of physicians accessing needed mental health care services so they can have more meaningful and rewarding professional experiences and provide the best possible care to their patients.”