On April 10th the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee approved legislation promoting awareness of mental health disorders. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S.689), is set to reauthorize and improve key mental health programs administered through the U.S. Departments of Education and Health & Human Services. The programs and provisions addressed in the legislation range from elementary and secondary education to the reauthorization of training grants for mental health services. The legislation will also address children’s mental health examinations, suicide prevention measures, evidence-based practice for older Americans, a GAO study on the Virginia Tech shooting recommendations and other provisions working to improve behavioral health interventions in the health care system. Posted 4-12-13.

On April 10^th the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee approved legislation promoting awareness of mental health disorders. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S.689), is set to reauthorize and improve key mental health programs administered through the U.S. Departments of Education and Health & Human Services. The programs and provisions addressed in the legislation range from elementary and secondary education to the reauthorization of training grants for mental health services. The legislation will also address children’s mental health examinations, suicide prevention measures, evidence-based practice for older Americans, a GAO study on the Virginia Tech shooting recommendations and other provisions working to improve behavioral health interventions in the health care system.  From: Marilyn Richmond, J.D., Assistant Executive Director for Government Relations; American Psychological Association Practice Organization.  Posted 4-12-13.