Federal News & Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), in addition to its physical health impacts on thousands of Americans, has disrupted the lives of millions more. Many now face uncertainty over their medical condition and that of their families, management of their daily lives, social isolation, financial stressors, and other issues. In the face of this pandemic and the turmoil it has caused, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) offers the following guidance for maintaining mental health and coping with stress.

People and their families can first mitigate stress by planning for the outbreak, and taking measures recommended by health experts to reduce risk, like proper handwashing and social distancing. Maintaining a routine involving a balance of time outside, relaxation, and connecting with friends and...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 16, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced the 2020 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia will not take place in the wake of numerous travel restrictions and public health guidance associated with the pandemic spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The meeting was scheduled for April 25-29. In lieu of the Annual Meeting, the APA will work with speakers to develop an online educational product this spring.

“After careful deliberations, we came to the conclusion it is not possible to hold the APA’s 2020 Annual Meeting,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “A large number of our physician members are restricted by their respective institutions from traveling to conferences and meetings to help stop the spread of COVID-19, making it impossible for lecturers and registrants to attend the...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 15, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced it had finalized the purchase of its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The APA purchased the top three floors it occupies at 800 Maine Ave., SW, which is part of the Wharf development along the Potomac River waterfront. The APA moved into its headquarters in early 2018 on a lease with the option to buy.

“The purchase of the headquarters is a wise investment for the APA and its members,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “This purchase increases our visibility to the general public and solidifies our position in the nation’s capital where we can best influence and advocate for the laws and policies that impact our profession and our patients.”

APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., said: “Our return in 2018 to Washington, D....

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 12, 2020

Washington, D.C. — The American Psychiatric Association (APA) applauds Congress for passing an $8 billion emergency funding package to address the spread of COVID-19. Among other provisions, the bill allows for the secretary of Health and Human Services to temporarily lift restrictions on Medicare access to telehealth services, such as live videoconference consultations with doctors. This will potentially allow patients with mental health and substance use disorders who may be worried about contracting the virus to continue to receive treatment during this public health emergency.

“Telehealth and telepsychiatry in ordinary times can help more people access services that are critical to their well-being,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “But it is especially important now, given the nature of COVID-19. Particularly for...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 5, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Recent news reports have brought to light that the therapy records of children detained by immigration officials have been used against them by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation cases. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) condemns the unethical usage of children’s confidential therapy records in a courtroom setting and calls on the government to immediately end this harmful practice.

“Confidentiality between a clinician and a patient is a sacred trust and is essential to successful mental health treatment, said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “Violating an agreement of trust with a child will cause further damage when they are at their most vulnerable. The government is crossing an ethical line when it is using children’s therapy notes in deportation hearings. We...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 18, 2020

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