In part 1 of our “Mental Health Parity” series, we spoke with Lisa M. Gomez, the Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), appointed by President Joe Biden, to discuss mental health parity, which is the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans. Lisa champions mental health parity in the United States. She shares her passion for mental health advocacy and dives into how EBSA is working to improve access to mental health parity for over 130 million Americans. Lisa also discusses the critical role of social factors like education, poverty, and culture in shaping access to mental health care services.

Later in the episode, we chat about the projects that give Lisa hope, including the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and EBSA's ongoing campaigns to educate the public about their insurance rights. Whether you're a mental health advocate or someone seeking to understand more about access to mental health care in the U.S., this episode offers valuable insights. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a leading voice in the fight for mental health parity. This is part 1 of a 3 part mini-series focused on improving access to mental health care services in the U.S.

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Call 866-444-3272 to contact EBSA for help with your mental health insurance coverage benefits.