Contact your congressional representatives to oppose onerous cuts to federal health insurance programs. Millions of Americans who rely on these programs for their mental health services could lose access to essential care. 

The Situation

The mental health care system faces an unprecedented crisis as Congress moves rapidly toward implementing devastating health care cuts in federal health insurance programs. The proposed funding reductions threaten to fundamentally dismantle our nation's mental health care infrastructure. House and Senate action could come in March and possibly earlier. 

What’s at Stake

Proposed cuts in the range that have been discussed could:

• eliminate essential mental health services for millions (Medicare and Medicaid).
• force practice closures in areas with limited access to care.
• create impossible choices between treatment and other necessities.
• lead to a return to institutionalization for many patients

Potential Impacts

For Counselors:

• reduced reimbursement rates
• increased administrative burdens
• practice sustainability challenges
• potential closure of mental health practices
• loss of professional workforce in vulnerable communities

For Clients:

• loss of access to essential mental health care
• disruption of ongoing treatment
• increased out-of-pocket costs
• longer wait times for services
• reduced treatment options

Take Action Now

1. Contact Congressional representatives immediately
2. Request their opposition to federal program insurance reductions
3. Share how these cuts would affect your practice and clients
4. Emphasize the importance of mental health access for all populations

Timeline

Congress is working on legislative packages now. The time to act is now to prevent severe budget cuts to federal insurance programs.