On Tuesday, March 24, the Washington, D.C.-based American Psychological Association called on state governments and private health insurers to quickly allow individuals to connect to their mental health providers remotely using telehealth technologies.
In a press release published to its website, the association, which represents 121,000 psychological professionals, wrote that “The American Psychological Association called on states and insurers to move quickly to allow people to connect with their mental health providers remotely using telehealth as the need for mental health services rises during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
And the association quoted its CEO, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Ph.D., who stated that “We are asking state policymakers to temporarily suspend state licensing requirements for telepsychological services, which would allow patients greater access to their providers and ensure continuity of care during this crisis.”
“The federal government has just identified psychologists as critical, essential workers in the U.S. response to COVID-19. But this does not mean that psychologists and psychology trainees must do work in person,” Dr. Evans said. “Essential psychological services can, and in many cases, should be delivered through telehealth. It is critically important that psychologists are able to meet the needs of their patients and communities during this difficult time, without further increasing the risk of contagion.” And the press release referenced Evans’s emphasizing that “Private insurers should also approve payments for videoconferencing for all providers without limitation, as well as telephone-only services, and psychological and neuropsychological testing.”
“Advances in telecommunications now allow people to interact with their psychologists through video, telephone and secure messaging platforms,” the press release went on. “These technological platforms allow people to receive mental health treatment while avoiding the spread of the disease, according to APA. Legislation passed by Congress in early March provided psychologists with greater flexibility in providing telehealth services to seniors on Medicare. However, it stopped short of providing similar benefits to those on Medicaid and private insurance. This legislation also did not extend Medicare reimbursement for audio-only services via telephone or for psychological or neuropsychological testing. Many patients and some providers do not have access or capability to use cellphones with video chat. They may also not have internet service or sufficient broadband speed. This is especially true for the many vulnerable populations served by psychologists, including older adults, those with disabilities, people residing in rural areas, those with a lower income and others.”
As noted on its website, “APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 121,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.”
