10 Must-Read Behavioral and Mental Health Articles From July 2023

To keep you better informed about some of the biggest news and developments concerning behavioral and mental health, below are 10 of the most significant reports published in July. Highlights include stories on proposed rules, screening for children, 988 and co-occurring conditions.

1. Proposed Rule Targets Health Plan Mental Health Parity Compliance

Multiple federal departments released a proposed rule seeking to ensure commercial health plans comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

2. CMS Proposes Policies to Expand Behavioral Health Access and Further Efforts to Increase Hospital Price Transparency

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed to expand access to behavioral health services through coverage of intensive outpatient services.

3. Parents Show Willingness to Participate in Mental Health Screenings for Children in Primary Care Settings

A study showed that parents and caregivers are interested in and willing to accept mental health screening of their children.

4. 988 Mental Health Crisis Line Gets 5 Million Calls, Texts and Chats in First Year

One year after the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there is a mix of good and bad news.

5. How Mental and Behavioral Health Disparities Impact Adults, Youth

Research showed that mental and behavioral health disparities disproportionately impact racial minority groups, people with disabilities, and those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

Follow Proem Behavioral Health on LinkedIn to help you stay current with the latest behavioral and mental health news.

6. The USPSTF Published New Guidelines On Anxiety - Here's Why They're Important

Read one physician's take on the value and importance of the new United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommending all adults aged 64 or younger be screened for anxiety.

7. Study Finds Scant Mental Health Care Coverage for Older Adults

A study found that nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists in a given service area.

8. Substance Abuse Is Climbing Among Seniors

Research is showing that substance use disorders among the older population have climbed significantly.

9. Survey: 85% of Employees Don’t Use Their Mental Health Benefits

A survey revealed that about 85% of employees do not use the mental health benefits available to them through their health plans.

10. A New Study Finds a Strong Link Between Depression and Dementia

A study found that a diagnosis of depression in adulthood could more than double the risk of developing dementia in older age.