Issues: Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health. Over one quarter of Americans suffer from mental illness, affecting every other aspect of their lives -- including their ability to learn and work productively, to relate positively to their families, and simply to enjoy life to its fullest. That is why, as Governor, Bill Richardson has fought for this issue in New Mexico, and will never stop fighting for it when he is President.
Guarantee Full Parity in Coverage
As President, Bill Richardson will guarantee that all health care plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP, provide equal coverage for both mental health and substance use disorders as they do for physical health plan benefits. This must include the prescriptions that are necessary to ensure good health outcomes.
Increase Funding for Research into Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Behavioral health problems are medical problems like any other, and they should be treated with the same level of research and study that all diseases are. That is why Bill Richardson pledges to increase funding for mental health and substance use disorders research through the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He will ensure that both biological and service system research is funded, and will also ensure that the FDA has the resources it needs to adequately investigate the safety and efficacy of all new drugs in order to protect against dangerous side effects.
Ensure High-Quality Mental Health Care for Military Personnel and Veterans
Mental health service demands among veterans have been skyrocketing, with an astonishing 58 percent increase in the past year alone. To ensure this need is met , Governor Richardson will ensure a comprehensive menu of resources for our veterans and active duty military. This will include a Heroes Health Card so that veterans can get care where they need it and when they need it, an aggressive plan to prevent and treat PTSD and traumatic brain injury, ensuring an automatic presumption that PTSD and brain-trauma symptoms are service-connected, directing the Department of Defense and the VA to hire significantly more mental health specialists and clinicians, and ordering the Pentagon to find ways to reduce the stigma attached with PTSD and other mental health illnesses.
Improve Behavioral Health Care for Young People
Bill Richardson believes that one of the most important steps we can take to improve the nation's health is to focus on improving mental health care for young people. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24. He will work hard to improve the behavioral health of our children by enacting a Mental Health in Schools Act to ensure that school personnel are trained to recognize early signs of mental health and substance use disorders. He will also fight to find a cure for autism and promote early treatment, fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provide federal support for school-based health clinics, just as he has done in New Mexico.
Strengthen Community and Peer Support for People with Mental Health Needs
Bill Richardson believes that community supports and services will remain an essential component of the nation's overall system of care for mental health. To strengthen community mental health programs, Bill Richardson will invest additional resources into community-based and peer-to-peer programs to prevent, manage, and treat mental health and substance use disorders. He will also invest in cost-effective supportive housing and employment programs for people living with serious mental illness. Finally, he will work to ensure appropriate care for victims of crime, natural disasters, and other traumatic events.
The Bottom Line
Bill Richardson believes that it is time for our country to recognize the critical importance of mental health care to ensuring a healthy and productive society. As President, he will ensure that our public policies reflect this reality so that people living with mental illness and substance use disorders can finally obtain the health care and support that they deserve.
