The Academy is part of a coalition dedicated to passing full parity laws in all fifty states. There are also coalitions forming at the state level. If your state is one of the eleven mentioned above, please write to your Representative and Senator requesting that any parity bill be broad-based and include parity for all mental illnesses. Below is a sample letter. Children with mental illnesses all deserve an equal opportunity to receive the appropriate services to live healthy productive lives.
Mental illnesses are real, diagnosable and treatable.
The treatment of childhood disorders represents a major health concern. Many adult disorders have their onset in childhood. Successful diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses for children is a wise investment, and saves both human and financial costs associated with untreated childhood behavior and emotional disturbances. Actuarial analyses conducted in numerous states have produced data supporting broad-based parity. The additional costs associated with implementing broad-based parity rather than partial parity is low, and their personal and financial benefits to children and society outweighs the minimal costs.