by Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D.
Executive Director for Professional Practice
American Psychological Association Practice Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 1, 2002

CONTACT:
Luana Bossolo (202) 336-5899
Dawn Bergantino (202) 336-5910

“The American Psychological Association is pleased that President Bush has expressed his commitment to passing a mental health parity bill this Congress.

“While specifics of a plan have not yet been agreed upon, we are hopeful that the President will support comprehensive legislation such as the current Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act. This is the bill, introduced by Senators Pete Domenici and Paul Wellstone and Representatives Marge Roukema and Patrick Kennedy, that has already been passed once by the Senate after numerous compromises were made to meet the concerns of employers.

“We applaud these four sponsors for their long-standing commitment to providing mental health parity. We look forward to working with them and the Administration to end benefits discrimination for the millions of Americans who suffer from mental health disorders.”

The American Psychological Association (APA), located in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 155,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its 53 divisions and its affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science and profession, and as a means of promoting health and human welfare.