In a significant step toward strengthening the U.S. psychology workforce, Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) introduced the Accelerating the Development of the Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act (S.2511opens in new window) on July 26, 2023. The legislation comes as the direct result of APA Services’ targeted advocacy work over the last 2 years, which included members across the association conducting nearly 500 meetings with congressional offices to advocate for increased support for psychology trainees and APA Services staff devoting hundreds of hours to educating and drafting the measure with congressional leaders and staff.
A strong mental and behavioral health workforce is critical to combating the long-term impact of the pandemic and remedying long-standing gaps in care. Unfortunately, multiple barriers exist to growing the doctoral psychology workforce. This includes the rising costs associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, which most students are increasingly financing through loans, and lack of federal support for advanced psychology trainees, which comprises doctoral interns and postdoctoral residents.
If passed, the ADAPT Act would establish Medicare coverage of behavioral health services provided by advanced psychology trainees by directing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a Medicare modifier that would allow doctoral interns and postdoctoral residents to bill for behavioral health care services provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The value of services provided by advanced psychology trainees has already been recognized by CMS in Medicaid. Twenty-eight state Medicaid programs currently provide at least some coverage of services provided by advanced psychology trainees.
APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, was quoted in Senator Bennet’s press releaseopens in new window. “The American Psychological Association is grateful to Senators Barrasso and Bennet for introducing the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act, which supports reimbursement for psychology interns and postdoctoral residents in Medicare,” said Evans. “This legislation will help strengthen our nation’s mental health infrastructure by increasing opportunities for psychology trainees across the nation, particularly in rural areas. By investing in the next generation of psychologists, the ADAPT Act will contribute to a more robust and resilient psychology workforce.”
APA Services worked closely with Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers Executive Director Jeff Baker, PhD, to advocate for the introduction of this legislation. In addition, APA Services is grateful for the work of the Wyoming Psychological Association (Bob Bayuk, PhD, and Hollis Hackman, PhD) as well as the Colorado Psychological Association (Michelle Dawson, PhD) for their advocacy with Senators Barrasso and Bennet, respectively.
For more information, contact Alexandra “Alix” Ginsberg.