New Data Shows Lack of Parity Between Mental and Physical Health Care

Kennedy Forum, Third Horizon, American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and Ballmer Group analyzed data from four major insurance providers. They compared mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) provider in-network composition and outpatient reimbursement rates to physical health care providers to create a Mental Health Parity Index.

This analysis found striking and widespread disparity across the country. Researchers noted:

Patients in 7 of 10 counties face challenges finding in-network clinicians for mental health care and substance use disorder treatment compared to physical health clinicians … Across the four national commercial insurance plans assessed, clinicians who provide mental health care and substance use disorder treatment are paid between 16% and 59% difference than physical health clinicians nationwide. (Kennedy Forum)

This disparity discourages mental health providers from being in-network, making mental health care less accessible and more expensive for clients. In the state with the worst network composition parity index, Alaska, there was an 85.5 percent difference between MH/SUB providers in-network compared to physical health care providers.

Mental health parity is essential for equitable access to MH/SUB care and fair compensation for counselors. Join us in advocating for counselors and clients — support the Parity Enforcement Act of 2025 today.

If you have any questions or would like to become more involved in ACA’s advocacy, contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.