WASHINGTON — Following is a statement by Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ formation of a Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to align federal resources and address gaps within the systems for studying and treating health and substance use disorders:
“The American Psychological Association applauds Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for creating the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council and making behavioral health a priority during his tenure. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vast need to invest in our nation’s mental health, as well as to tackle the inequities within our behavioral health care systems.
“We were also gratified to learn that the first $3 billion in block grants to states, territories, and tribes will be distributed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These funds will be used to improve community mental health services for people with severe mental illness, and to prevent, treat and help more people recover from substance use disorder.
“APA looks forward to continuing to partner with the administration to promote mental health, to prevent and treat mental illness and substance use disorders and to end disparities in treatment.”