The Push For Mental Health Parity Shows Slow Progress Even In A State Ahead Of The Curve
Kaiser Health News examines California's efforts to achieve parity in mental health care. In other news related to mental health, a status check on Iowa's mental health care system and the difficulties faced by an Illinois clinic.
Kaiser Health News:
Achieving Mental Health Parity: Slow Going Even In ‘Pace Car’ State
After the state of California fined her employer $4 million in 2013 for violating the legal rights of mental health patients, Oakland psychologist Melinda Ginne expected her job — and her patients’ lives — to get better. Instead, she said, things got worse. (Gold, 8/13)
The Associated Press:
State Officials Tout Efforts To Improve Mental Health Care
A top state official says Iowa is providing better mental health care after an overhaul of the system, though critics question the recent closure of two state-run mental health institutes. Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer told an advisory board Wednesday that Iowa’s mental health system was serving more people and providing more modern care. The effort to remake the system began in 2011 and was implemented last year. (8/12)
The Elgin [Ill.] Courier-News:
Ecker Center In Elgin Faces Loss Of Almost $500,000 In State Contracts
Everyone told Cynthia Firtik's family that she should be placed in residential care. Firtik has battled major depression for years. The type of depression that made it hard for her to function in everyday life, leaving her isolated and hopeless. A relative recommended Firtik go to Ecker Center for Mental Health, a community mental health center headquartered on Elgin's west side. (Casas, 8/12)