VCU health policy experts available to discuss statewide mental health issues and service gaps in the commonwealth

In a recently published national ranking of mental health services, community-based network Mental Health America identified Virginia as one of the top 10 states with the greatest need for such services. Virginia has more than 1 million adults with mental illness, but a little less than half received treatment in 2014. In light of this and other current mental health issues, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s Department of Healthcare Policy and Research compiled a policy brief outlining key statistics and information surrounding the topic. Experts from the department are available to speak with journalists about a variety of topics related to mental health issues in the state.

The following experts are available for interviews about the topics listed below:

Peter Cunningham, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research
·    Populations in Virginia at greater risk for mental illness based on factors including age, race and income.
·    Factors that contribute to a high prevalence of mental illness for some populations.
·    Obstacles that people face in receiving treatment for mental illness.
·    Why there is an inadequate supply of mental health professionals in some parts of the commonwealth.

 

 

Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research
·    How health reforms including the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity Act will affect coverage for and access to behavioral health treatment in Virginia.
·    The delivery system reforms Virginia is undertaking to improve access to behavioral health services.

 

 

Aradhana “Bela” Sood, M.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry
·    Reasons behind the significant fragmentation in delivery of clinical services among different populations.
·    Why the mental health profession is currently more focused on crisis care and less focused on prevention services and early intervention, and the changes that are needed to shift focus to preventative care.