In Bipartisan Letter, Lawmakers Seek Emergency Funding for Behavioral Health Organizations in Next Coronavirus Stimulus Package

Over 75 Members of Congress sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting emergency funding for mental health disorder and addiction treatment providers across the country. As the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many behavioral health organizations (BHOs) are at risk of closing their doors as a result of the pandemic. The bipartisan group of lawmakers is seeking at least $38.5 billion for BHOs across the country in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. Despite the health and economic impacts of the pandemic and the growing number of patients seeking counseling services, BHOs are projected to lose nearly $40 billion in revenue as a direct result of increased staff overtime to meet patient need, increased need for PPE, and the implementation of telehealth services.