Messmer Report: Improving Mental Health Care Access for Hoosiers

Local Sources - This week's Messmer Report addresses mental health for Hoosiers.

As more Hoosiers seek mental health care, the demand for psychologists has increased. Unfortunately, as of November 2021, only 1,300 actively licensed psychologists are physically located in Indiana, limiting mental health and cognitive care services for Hoosiers.

In order to help address this issue, I have authored Senate Bill 365, which would make Indiana a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), a multi-state agreement composed of 27 states, which extends psychologists' authorization to practice in other compact states, both in-person and virtually.

SB 365, and the addition of Indiana to this compact, would help Indiana ensure Hoosiers are better supported and cared for by:

·     Increasing public access to psychologists;

·        Providing continuity of care as patients relocate; and

·        Reaching populations that are underserved, geographically isolated, or lack specialty care.

SB 365 would task the Indiana Attorney General's Office or the State Board of Psychology with tracking licensure and services in Indiana. They would also report inappropriate conduct Indiana psychologists engage in while practicing in a distant state, and would hold psychologists from other states who are practicing in Indiana to our state's standards.

Psychologists provide integral care to those facing addiction, as well as mental and chronic illnesses. As the General Assembly strives to obtain better mental health care services, it is important we support in-demand professions that will create a better quality of life for Hoosiers.

SB 365 passed the Senate unanimously on Jan. 25 and will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.