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News–week of February 1, 2010

Menninger applauds new rules to improve insurance coverage for mental health care
As recently reported in The New York Times and other media outlets, the federal government recently issued new rules designed to improve insurance coverage for mental health care, at least for individuals who receive health insurance through their employers.

Under these new rules, mental health care will receive the same coverage as the treatment of medical conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Insurance companies will not be able to establish higher co-payments and deductibles, nor will they be able to establish stricter limits on mental illness and addiction treatment.

“This is a significant advancement for our country, one that is bound to save lives and end needless suffering since it opens the door for millions who need help to get it,” said Shawna Morris, chief operating officer and senior vice president, The Menninger Clinic.

Research indicates that many who suffer from a mental illness do not pursue treatment, either for fear of being stigmatized or for financial reasons. With more than 140 million Americans insured through their jobs, the financial obstacle is greatly lessened thanks to the new rules.

The rules take effect July 1.

Clinic to co-host spirituality conference
The Menninger Clinic is joining forces with the Institute for Spirituality and Health and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) to cosponsor the Sacred Moments in Psychotherapy conference.

Featuring speakers from BCM, Rice University and Menninger, the November 12 conference will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church near the Texas Medical Center. The keynote address will be given by Peter Fonagy, PhD, director, Child and Family Program at The Menninger Clinic.

Continuing education will be provided for psychologists, social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, licensed chemical dependency counselors and nurses.

Clinic launches anti-stigma blog
The Menninger Clinic has taken to the world of social media to help combat the stigma that surrounds mental illness by launching the blog www.SayNoToStigma.com.

“Research continues to find that many who need psychiatric treatment don’t seek it due to stigma,” said Shawna Morris, chief operating officer and senior vice president. “As a leader in the field of mental health, we want to eliminate stigma and enhance mental health.”

The blog will highlight mental health issues in treatment, research and education. Posts will be written by clinicians at The Clinic and by guest bloggers at other leading organizations.

Included on the blog is an e-store, through which readers can purchase recommended books from Amazon. A percentage of each sale supports research efforts at Menninger.