Letter to the Editor:
(Published in the Worcester Telegram and Gazettee)
Monday, February 11, 2008
Children need services for mental health
I applaud Massachusetts officials for implementing stage one of the Rosie D v. Romney case this year. Doctors will be paid $18 per evaluation for assessing the mental health needs of children at their clinics across the state. While this method is a positive step in identifying possible mental health issues affecting our children, much more work is still needed. Currently, there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals due to inequitable productivity requirements and low reimbursement rates from health insurance companies.
Additionally, commercial health insurance companies such as Fallon Community Health Plan and Blue Cross/Blue Shield (under their behavioral health network) will not open their panels for licensed mental health counselors to join their networks. As a result, there are waiting lists at area clinics to serve children with mental health needs. I’m asking the Legislature and parents to lobby the above entities to open their panels so our children can get quality mental health services. Also, for the state to implement more efficient ways to pay clinicians fairly and to retain them for the benefits of our children with mental health needs.
WENDY EDMOND
Shrewsbury
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