Mental Health: Mental Health Benefits Legislation

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends mental health benefits legislation as a way to improve financial protection and increase appropriate use of mental health services for people with mental health conditions. In particular, CPSTF recommends legislation that helps ensure there are no greater restrictions for mental health coverage than physical health coverage. CPSTF also found evidence that mental health benefits legislation is associated with increased access to care, increased diagnosis of mental health conditions, reduced prevalence of poor mental health, and reduced suicide rates.