Federal News & Issues

Jun 14, 2016

ARLINGTON, Va. – Today, on the eve of a critical vote, the American Psychiatric Association encourages members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to pass the bipartisan mental health reform legislation. The committee is scheduled to consider the landmark legislation, H.R. 2646, Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, on Wednesday, June 15.

The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act was introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) with Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) in June 2015 and now has 191 cosponsors. The House Subcommittee on Health passed the legislation last November.

“This legislation will bring much-needed improvements to the nation’s mental health system – and better access to quality care for people with mental illness, including substance use disorders,” said APA President...

Jun 12, 2016

ARLINGTON, Va. – Today the American Psychiatric Association issued the following statement from its president, Maria A. Oquendo,M.D., in reaction to the deadly shooting in Orlando that claimed the lives of more than 50 Americans:

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence in Orlando this weekend. The notion that the potential motive for targeting the patrons of this nightclub was because of their sexual orientation is disturbing. Regrettably, the carnage in Orlando is all too familiar and reminds of similar incidents in Newtown, Ct.; Blacksburg, Va.; and San Bernardino, Ca.; and too many other places in America. We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families. The APA is a healing organization and our members will be there to help the community of Orlando heal.”

The...