According to the Psychiatric News published by the American Psychiatric Association, Vice president Joe Biden announced today that there is a $100 million increase in funding for mental health. This money is going to be used to ensure access to mental health care for a higher number of Americans.

In my training and practice I frequently see patients, their friends, and family members who suffer from psychiatric problems and have little to no access to mental health care due to lack of funds. For those who suffer from addiction problems, the financial issues are usually even more severe. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the worse the illness is, the harder it is to get proper care. I am hoping the enforcement of Mental Health and Addiction parity laws and this increase in funding will be helpful in providing adequate care to more individuals. Only time will tell if the mental health care is improving.