Step By Step Counseling, LLC’s Post

#MentalHealthMatters: In the last six months, the United States has seen the largest expansion of Medicare’s mental health coverage in history. A law, heavily influenced by research led by ACA member Matthew Fullen, that allows mental health professionals not previously covered the opportunity to enroll as Medicare providers went into effect in early 2024. So far, about 43,000 mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists have opted in, allowing over 60 million people covered by Medicare to have access to services they wouldn’t have had before. More info: https://bit.ly/3X4V00E

Did you know 1 in 10 youth with private insurance lack coverage for mental health care? In Arkansas, it's even worse at 1 in 4. Let's fight for better mental health coverage nationally!  Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gs-Q5SwV.  #MentalHealthMatters #InsuranceGap #YouthMentalHealth #nationalmentalhealthawarenessmonth

Unlock the complexities in just 13 minutes. 🎙️ Explore how recent adjustments to Medicare coverage are transforming mental health accessibility for those over 65. Did you know, LPCs and LMFCs, constituting 40% of therapists, are at the forefront of this change? 🌟 Listen now for an in-depth exploration. 🎧 #MentalHealth #MedicareCoverage https://lnkd.in/e2vnaADh

Mental health insurance update: The comment period for the proposed rules entitled “Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act” that were published in the August 3, 2023, is extended 15 days to October 17, 2023 What is parity?  It is the idea that insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder care should be no more restrictive than insurance coverage for any other medical condition. Here are some examples of how parity protections are beneficial: • There can be no limit on the number of visits for in-network outpatient mental health and substance use disorder care, if there is no limit on the number of visits for in-network outpatient physical health care. • The standard and basis for prior authorization requirements for mental health and substance use disorder services must be comparable to, or less restrictive than, those for physical health services. Prior authorization (sometimes called preauthorization, prior approval, or precertification) means that a health care provider from your plan must confirm that a service is needed before it begins. • Plans must apply comparable or lower copays for out-of-network inpatient mental health and substance use disorder care than for out-of-network inpatient physical health care. (See chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lnkd.in/g3aWSHQu) #mentalhealth #healthinsurance #mentalhealthparity #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthishealth

Is something from your past stopping you from enjoying today? No-one can change the past, but you can learn to live without it affecting you. And we all deserve to enjoy each day, each week, each month - but it can be really hard for everyone to do that. In my counselling practice, I support adults who are struggling from past experiences like domestic violence, trauma, grief, anxiety, and change. Change really can throw a spanner in the works .... a change in health, at work, in a relationship and it alters you perspective. I've opened up a small number of additional appointments so you can get an appointment for Counselling in the coming weeks, without having to join a really long waitlist. Making your first appointment for Counselling can feel challenging, but I encourage you to take that first step. There's one thing I hear over and over again from clients after our first session that might help... so many say "Anne, why didn't I do this sooner..." You don't have to carry any burden alone - I'm here to support you. As I am AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker - clients with a mental health care plan are eligible for Medicare rebate and private health insurance rebates may be available, depending upon your level of cover. It doesn't matter where you live, as Appointments can be face-to-face or via Telehealth. You can book directly here: https://lnkd.in/gidrmFEG Or send me a 𝗗𝗠, and I'll find a suitable time for you. I'm here for you. #EmpoweredWomen #SelfCareForWomen #MentalHealthSupport #WellbeingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen

Being a doctor is harder now than it has ever been. Apart from reading and studying constantly to keep up with changes and offer the best care possible to patients, doctors have to learn to get past the risk of being sued even if they do everything right. The stress of having to pay $1500 a month in loans after 12+ years of school can be overwhelming. The healthcare payment system is causing moral injury to physicians. Documentation rules require more time than being with the patient. Insurance prior authorizations tell doctors that they won't pay for their treatment plan because of bureaucracy. They have to change a patient's insulin because of formulary restrictions, which can result in the patient being admitted to the ER with high blood sugar, leading to the practice being penalized financially. Doctors may have to process 30 drug changes between January 1st and January 15th due to formulary changes, which is unpaid time that puts our patientsat risk for negative event. Doctors are being second-guessed constantly and forced to recommend suboptimal care like write for less expensive chemotherapy even though there is a better product for their patient, but they can't afford to pay it outside of insurance. These are just some examples of how the healthcare payment system is causing moral injury to physicians, leading to the deep black pit of burnout that many of them find themselves in. There are no yoga classes or wellness programs that will fix this problem, until we have revolutionary change in the heath insurance or payment systems. In the short term, talking about it, letting doctor's know they are not alone, employers allowing real treatment without penalty are some things that can help prevent physician suicide. For the long term, major change is necessary.

Many people from racial and ethnic minority groups have difficulty getting mental health care.⁠ ⁠ This can be due to many different reasons, such as cost or not having adequate health insurance coverage.⁠ ⁠ It may also be challenging to find providers from one’s racial or ethnic group.⁠ ⁠ Stigma or negative ideas about mental health care may also prevent people from seeking services.⁠ ⁠ Other things in our environment can impact mental health and emotional well-being. ⁠ ⁠ For example, experiencing or witnessing racial discrimination or racial violence can cause stress and racial trauma. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠Our services at Trust Therapeuticals, LLC are aimed at enhancing the strengths of individuals by counseling them from a scope that supports their personal identities. ⁠ ⁠ Book an appointment with Trust Therapeutics, LLC: https://lnkd.in/d6dT4fP⁠

"People value mental health extremely highly until they have to pay for it." Let's talk about something real: the disconnect between the value we place on mental health and the struggle to afford the care it deserves. It's like having this priceless treasure, but suddenly, it becomes too costly to safeguard. There are a few reasons why people might avoid seeking support due to the costs associated with therapy and counseling: Financial Hurdles: Studies show that the cost is a significant barrier. Many individuals, even when struggling, avoid seeking professional help due to high fees. Insurance Limitations: Insurance coverage for mental health services often falls short, leaving individuals to cover substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Long Waiting Lists: Publicly funded mental health services often have long waiting lists, leaving many without immediate access to affordable care. Stigma vs. Cost: Despite acknowledging the need for help, the combination of societal stigma and the high cost can prevent individuals from seeking the support they desperately require. At #ASMI, we're rewriting this narrative. We believe that accessing #counseling or therapy shouldn't feel like a luxury you can't afford. It's not an indulgence; it's a fundamental right. #mentalwellbeing shouldn't be locked behind a price tag. Our #mission? Making mental health support accessible to everyone. No financial barriers. No hesitations. Just the help you need, when you need it. At ASMI, we see mental health care as essential as breathing, and everyone deserves that breath of fresh air. Let's build a world where seeking help isn't about what's in your wallet but about what's in your heart and mind. #LAUNCHING JAN 2024 #asmi #instantcounselling #onlinecounseling #supportwithin60sec #mentalhealthmatters #traumarecovery

Investing in #MentalHealth care is the #right thing to do and we should encourage our leaders to fund #universal mental health care for everyone. Investment in mental health would reduce suffering for millions of #Canadians and improve the quality of life for all of us.    Join and #ActForMentalHealth today: actformentalhealth.ca 

Making Mental Healthcare Truly Accessible   Mental health struggles are increasingly visible, yet quality care remains out of reach for many. Mindful Care is working to change that by innovating to provide timely, affordable, and convenient psychiatric and therapy services.   Founded in 2018, Mindful Care offers same-day and next-day visits, accepts insurance, provides in-person and virtual care, and continues expanding nationwide. Our approach aims to set a new standard for accessible mental healthcare.   Mindful Care was also just featured in Us Weekly Magazine for our efforts to reshape access! Check out this article highlighting Mindful Care's mission. Our nationwide expansion isn't just about business growth — it fulfills the urgent need for more inclusive mental health services.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gG7SczGe