by AACAP President Gregory K. Fritz, MD

Washington, DC, July 25, 2017 – Today, the U.S. Senate voted to continue taking America down a dangerous path that could cause millions of American families and children to lose access to health insurance. As this process unfolds, the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) again calls on Congress to oppose ruinous ACA changes under debate that would hurt Americans. In particular, AACAP believes that mental health and substance use disorder services must be retained as Essential Health Benefits in all insurance products. We also need to keep all the vital existing Patient Protections that ensure fairness in the marketplace, including coverage of pre-existing conditions. At the same time, critical public plans such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program must be fully funded in a continuation of current law. To do otherwise would subject America’s children and families to a future that neglects their mental health and well-being, with the tragedy that accompanies a lack of identification, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. AACAP calls on all sides to work together for the good of families, children, and our country.

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The American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, an affiliated 501(c)6 non-profit organization of AACAP, was formed in 2013 as a way for child and adolescent psychiatrists to increase their advocacy activities.

The mission of the Association is to engage in health policy and advocacy activities to promote mentally healthy children, adolescents, and families and the profession of child and adolescent psychiatry.