A Timeline of Policies Relevant to Adolescent Mental Health
Policies are one way that change can be made on a large scale. Whether you are an adolescent, parent, academic or healthcare provider, having knowledge of what your rights are and the history of mental health can provide you with a big-picture understanding of the state of adolescent health in the country. It can also be a great starting pointing when considering new policies that you would like to see or believe would be beneficial.
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Outlined to the right, is a brief background on the legislative action that took place in the field of mental health over the years.
1946
National Mental Health Act
1963
Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Health Centers Construction Act
1990
Americans with Disabilities Act
1996
Mental Health Parity Act
2000
Children's Health Act
1973
The Rehabilitation Services Act
2004
Garret Lee Smith Memorial Act
Inspired by the decline in mental health of U.S veterans. This act provides federal support for the research into diagnosis, cause and treatment of psychiatric disorders
Signed into law by President John. F. kennedy, this act provides federal funding to community mental health centers and research laboratories
This act was designed to provide protection to individuals with disabilities from discrimination in organizations or facilities receiving federal funding. These include individuals suffering from substance abuse and mental illness
Broadening the initiative started by the Rehabilitation Services Act, this act functions as a civil law prohibiting discrimination against disabled individuals in all aspects of public life including employment, school and transportation.
Signed into law on September 26, this law dictates that no annual or lifetime dollar limits should be placed on a health plans' mental health services. This act places mental health care on an equal level to medical care
This act allowed for an expansion and concentration on the research of diseases disproportionately affecting children. In terms of mental health, this meant that organizations like SAMHSA paid greater focus to issues of youth substance abuse.
Passed in October of 2004, this act was introduced to curb the number of youth suicides. The act has provided funding for suicide prevention programs across different states as well as funded college campus suicide prevention efforts
Legislative Action
Whether you are a parent, healthcare provider, academic or passionate adolescent, wanting improvement in the mental healthcare delivery is vital. Described below are some initiatives that advocate for the improvement of treatment, diagnosis and prevention of mental health disorders. These organizations receive federal funding in order to achieve their goals of halting the current mental health crisis.
Zero Suicide
Zero Suicide is an organization that functions with the belief that every suicide under the current healthcare system is preventable. Through research and innovative services, Zero Suicide aims to transform healthcare systems towards better suicide care. The organization offers customized services and tips for parents and teens struggling with mental health.
Centerstone
Centerstone is a not-for-profit organization that provides a range of services to a variety of people. These include addiction treatments, children and family services, therapeutic foster care and counseling. Similar to Zero Suicide, it seeks legislative action to prevent the worsening mental health crisis
Federally Qualified Health Centers
These centers are federally funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. They are created with the purpose of serving underserved communities. They offer substance abuse and mental health treatment options regardless of an individual's socioeconomic background. They are a great starting point for individuals worried about payment.