The expansion of telemental health has been a cornerstone in improving access to mental health care, helping to alleviate gaps exposed by workforce shortages. However, unnecessary impediments, such as a 6-month in-person requirement for mental health, restrict access to care for patients who face barriers to accessing in-person care.   

The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act extended many public health emergency Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2024, including delaying the implementation of an in-person evaluation requirement within 6-months to provide mental health services via telehealth. These flexibilities passed by Congress and implemented by past and current Administrations have been a lifeline for patients in need of MH/SUD services.  

Contact your members of Congress and urge them to extend critical telemental health flexibilities for at least one year and delay the 6-month in-person requirement in a year-end package.