MENTAL HEALTH: Senator Murray Highlights Parity and Access

WATCH the hearing.

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, attended a hearing entitled “Assessing the State of America’s Mental Health System” where she questioned Pamela Hyde, J.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) about the implementation of her mental health parity and access initiatives. The hearing also examined the most pressing problems in our mental health system, including a need to focus on prevention and early intervention, and discuss ways to improve access to services for those who need assistance.

As outgoing Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sen. Murray questioned Administrator Hyde on best practices and progress in implementing her Mental Health ACCESS Act, which will make improvements to ensure those who served have access to consistent, quality behavioral health care.