Proem Health Blog

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

Written by Holly Wilson | Nov 7, 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 October. Highlights include stories on new federal requirements, healthcare workers, telehealth, climate change and the 988 Lifeline.

1. CMS Finalizes Physician Payment Rule that Advances Health Equity

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its 2024 Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) final rule, which included significant developments for behavioral and mental health.

2. Medicare Expands Options for Mental Health Care

One of the biggest rule changes included in the PFS final rule was Medicare's decision to start permitting marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to provide covered mental health services.

3. Increases in Pediatric Mental Health Emergency Visits Persist Throughout Pandemic

A study showed that mental health crises among children and adolescents requiring emergency department surged during the pandemic and have stayed elevated despite a return to normalcy.

4. Young Adults Suffer From Anxiety, Depression Twice as Often as Teens

A survey revealed that young adults in the United States experience anxiety and depression twice as frequently as teenagers.

5. CDC Releases Free Tools for Hospitals To Address Their Workers' Mental Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the first-ever federal campaign — called "Impact Wellbeing" — encouraging hospitals to track and address burnout in their workforces.


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6. Impacts of Climate Change Threaten Children's Mental Health Starting Before Birth

The American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica issued a report discussing how climate change intersects with and compounds other factors that threaten youth mental health.

  1. Millions Have Used the 988 Mental Health Crisis Line, but Most Say They Wouldn't Turn To It Again

    Research found that less than a third of people with severe psychological distress who used the 988 lifeline were very likely to use it again.

8. Father's Postpartum Depression Doubles Child's Odds of Adverse Childhood Experiences Before Age 5 

Research showed that a father's depression during his child's first year of life doubles the odds of a child having three or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by age 5.  

9. Telehealth Supports Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

A study showed that starting buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder through telehealth was associated with an increased likelihood of staying in treatment longer compared to starting treatment in a non-telehealth setting.

10. FDA Calls for Treatments for Meth and Cocaine Addiction

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance encouraging drug manufacturers to develop new treatments that could help treat addiction to meth, cocaine or prescription stimulants.

 

Bonus:
Proem's Dr. Tom Young Appears on MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast

Dr. Thomas Young, chief medical officer at Proem Behavioral Health, appeared on the MGMA Mindful Medicine podcast to discuss a range of issues concerning mental and behavioral health, including behavioral health integration (BHI).