Mental and Behavioral Health System Fixes During the COVID-19 Crisis, and Beyond

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) published a brief suggesting that the pandemic is producing “cultural trauma” that will trigger adverse mental health outcomes. The brief suggests expansions of federal funding for behavioral health services and staff and addressing gaps in telehealth delivery (including reconsidering regulations around accessing therapy through text and phone app). The brief also suggests ways that states can waive requirements around pre-authorization for services, utilizing presumptive eligibility, and determining medical necessity of mental health services to deliver services more quickly. #covid-19