WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association applauded the administration and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services for expanding Medicare coverage for audio-only phone services during the coronavirus pandemic, including psychotherapy, health behavior assessment and intervention services, and other behavioral health services.
Previously, Medicare recipients who wanted to take advantage of psychotherapy through telehealth could do so only via videoconferencing. This was a significant limitation for people without access or capability to use those technologies.
“To curb the spread of the coronavirus and help our communities heal, we cannot leave any of our neighbors behind,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. “The American Psychological Association is grateful to our members and congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle for tirelessly advocating for these needed phone services.”
“Psychologists can now use their specialty skills to improve the health of all the communities we serve, including older adults, people with lower income or education, individuals with disabilities and people in rural areas,” he added. “Yesterday, some of the most vulnerable people in our country did not have access to psychological care. Today, they do.”