For too many people, access to mental health or substance use care is delayed, denied or driven out of network—despite clear parity laws. The problem isn’t invisible anymore.
The Mental Health Parity Index (MHPI) is a first‑of‑its‑kind, open-access tool that uses real‑time, insurer‑reported data to reveal where mental health and substance use disorder care falls behind physical health care—and where change is possible.
County by county, plan by plan, the MHPI shows where access breaks down, how payment disparities persist and what it will take to close the gap.
What the data makes clear
The findings are unmistakable—because in health care, you can’t fix what you can’t see:
- Access to in-network mental health/substance use disorder care lags behind physical health care in the vast majority of counties.
- Behavioral health clinicians are consistently paid less for comparable outpatient services.
- Patients are often forced to pay high out-of-network costs to get care.
Built for accountability—and sustainable solutions
Launched by The Kennedy Forum with leading partners including the American Medical Association, the MHPI equips insurers, employers, policymakers, clinicians and advocates with the transparency needed to turn parity from a promise into a sustainable reality.
In fact, some plans and counties are getting it right, and the MHPI shows how—as well as where others can partner with the AMA and others to drive much needed conversations about improving access to high quality mental health and substance use disorder care for patients.
Tell your story
Share your experience. Demand parity that works for the patients you care for. Together, we can help end discrimination and ensure more people get the care they need. Your voice matters!
