The Mental Health Access Improvement Act (MHAIA) [S.828/H.R.432] is an important legislative act that seeks to provide much-needed relief to both counselors and clients. It was first introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2019 and gained support from mental health advocates and professionals. Congress passed it on Dec. 23, 2022. The act aims to increase access to mental health care by expanding the availability of telehealth services and providing reimbursement for licensed professionals such as licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs) under Medicare. The act amends the Medicare program to expand access to mental health services, particularly for those in underserved and rural areas. The act also allows LPCs and MFTs to bill Medicare for their services, which they are not currently allowed to do.

The passage of MHAIA is critically important to both counselors and clients for several reasons. First and foremost, it seeks to address the significant barriers that individuals face when trying to access mental health care and will improve access to mental health services for millions of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. According to USAFACTS.org, 122 million Americans live in a mental health access shortage area. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a report in 2019 that found that approximately 60% of United States counties do not have a single psychiatrist. Additionally, the report stated that 90% of mental health professional shortage areas are located in rural regions. This shortage of mental health professionals, particularly those in rural areas, confirms that many Americans do not have necessary access to mental health services. By expanding access to mental health services, MHAIA will help address this critical shortage and improve the overall mental health of Americans. Additionally, MHAIA positively impacts people struggling with mobility and transportation issues by expanding access to telehealth services, which will now allow patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth services have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow patients to receive care without having to travel to a physical location. Telehealth services also provide a convenient option for those who work long hours or who have other obligations that make it difficult to attend in-person appointments.