Barrasso introduces bill to improve access to mental health services in rural areas

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. senators John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., recently introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological and mental health services in rural areas.

The Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act, will establish Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for advanced psychology trainees, allowing nearly 4,000 trainees to bill for services provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This legislation will help rural areas across the country expand access to mental health services, improve recruitment of mental and behavioral health providers and help reduce burnout among our current mental health care workforce. 

“Wyoming and other rural communities across the country often face the greatest shortage of mental health providers. Long distances and bad weather can make it hard for patients to receive the quality care they deserve,” Barrasso said. “As a doctor, I know firsthand how important it is to recruit and maintain quality mental health professionals. Our bill addresses these issues by giving Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP patients greater access to mental health services closer to home.”

The legislation is supported by the Wyoming Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. 

“As a practicing psychologist, I am grateful to Senator Barrasso for introducing the ADAPT Act,” said Dr. Alicia Clark, Owner of Big Horn Psychological Services, Acting President of the Wyoming Psychological Association. “Allowing psychology interns to care for aging and developmentally disabled populations complements and diversifies their training, helping them build essential skills to understand the full range of human behavior. Integrating trainees into care improves coordination, preserves access for patients and strengthens the future mental health workforce.”