Article
'Not enough therapists': Georgia lawmakers aim to support mental health workforce
By Michelle Baruchman March 11, 2024 from the Atlanta Journal Constitution
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia's mental health system faced significant challenges as more than 1,200 state psychiatric hospital employees departed, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Although some legislative measures were passed to address the growing mental health crisis, such as a parity bill and the establishment of the 988 emergency mental health crisis line, workforce support remains a critical issue for both Republicans and Democrats.
Low pay and licensure obstacles hinder recruitment and retention efforts, contributing to Georgia's ranking of 49th in access to mental health care. Lawmakers are now focusing on increasing salaries for state employees, raising reimbursement rates, and aligning licensure requirements to attract more mental health professionals to the state. However, the path forward remains uncertain as efforts to address these challenges continue to evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,200 state psychiatric hospital employees in Georgia left their positions during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing workforce shortages.
- Legislative efforts have been made to address the mental health crisis, including a parity bill and the establishment of the 988 emergency mental health crisis line.
- Workforce support is identified as the primary remaining issue by both Republicans and Democrats in Georgia.
- Challenges such as low pay and licensure obstacles hinder recruitment and retention of mental health professionals in the state.
- Georgia ranks 49th in access to mental health care, with long wait times for appointments leading to escalated crises for some individuals.
- Lawmakers are considering measures to increase salaries for state employees, raise reimbursement rates, and align licensure requirements to attract more mental health professionals.
- The specific path forward remains uncertain as legislative efforts evolve to address the challenges in Georgia's mental health system.
From the Article
In the past two years, lawmakers in Georgia passed a slate of legislation targeting the mental and behavioral health crisis in the state, which has grown in size and severity since the COVID pandemic began. Those efforts have included a parity bill that requires insurance companies to provide coverage for mental health care and substance-use disorders at levels comparable to physical health care, reaffirming federal requirements, and the development of the 988 system for emergency mental health crisis calls.
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