APA Calls For Emergency Funding As COVID-19 Overwhelms Behavioral Health System

Despite an increase in anxiety, fear, grief, and addiction related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the behavioral health system is experiencing significant challenges, according to a statement signed by the American Psychiatric Association and 11 other organizations and sent to Congressional leadership as Congress prepared to approve another round of COVID-related federal funding. The funding under consideration is primarily focused on shoring up existing programs—especially the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program.

Congressional Democrats are hoping to add funding for hospitals, state governments, and a nationwide testing program for COVID-19. APA and the other groups . . .