Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act, bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological, and mental health services in rural areas.
“Colorado doctors, local leaders, and parents tell me they can’t find mental and behavioral health care providers in their communities,” said Bennet. “By removing barriers to treatment, Congress will expand access to these vital services – an important step towards improving mental and behavioral health care in this country.”
“Wyoming and other rural communities across the country often face the greatest shortage of mental health providers. Long distances and bad weather can make it hard for patients to receive the quality care they deserve,” said Barrasso. “As a doctor, I know firsthand how important it is to recruit and maintain quality mental health professionals. Our bill addresses these issues by giving Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients greater access to mental health services closer to home.”
The ADAPT Act would allow advanced psychology trainees to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for services provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This legislation will help rural areas across the country expand access to mental health services, improve recruitment of mental and behavioral health providers, and reduce burnout among our current mental health care workforce.
“The Colorado Psychological Association (CPA) proudly supports and commends Senator Michael Bennet for his leadership in reintroducing the ADAPT Act alongside Senator John Barrasso. The need for mental healthcare in the nation and specifically in Colorado continues to overwhelm the system. This bipartisan legislation is a bold step toward addressing the demand for behavioral health services by expanding the mental health workforce and increasing access to care, especially for underserved populations. It represents an important, evidence-informed solution to the mental healthcare crisis by advancing the goals of expanding access to timely care and creating equitable training opportunities in psychology–particularly in community based, rural and underserved settings,” said Michelle Dawson, PsyD, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, Colorado Psychological Association.
“Expanding access to mental health care will improve countless lives, so we are pleased to support efforts like this proposal to allow Medicare reimbursement for Advanced Psychology Trainees,” said Rachel Davis, MD, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. “By introducing the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees Act, Senators Bennet and Barasso are leading the way to better health care for all.”
Bennet and Barrasso previously introduced the ADAPT Act in 2023.
This legislation is supported by the Colorado Psychological Association, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Wyoming Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Association.
The text of the bill is available HERE.