As stated by Dr. Thom Bornemann, Director of the Mental Health Program at The Carter Center, "We have effective treatments available, but the vast majority of people who need treatments do not get them." According to the Carter Center, much remains to be done. People with mental illnesses still face great stigma and discrimination. The importance of mental health promotion is under-recognized, and insurance providers often do not provide parity for mental health treatment. Considering the fact that mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the United States, disparity for mental health benefits is simply and completely unacceptable.

This historic report states that too many Americans are unaware that mental illnesses can be treated and recovery is possible. In fact, a wide array of effective mental health services and treatments are available to allow children and adults to be vital contributors to their communities. Yet, too many people remain unserved, and the consequences can be shattering. In a speech announcing the Commission, President Bush said, "Our country must make a commitment: Americans with mental illness deserve our understanding, and they deserve excellent care. They deserve a health system that treats their illness with the same urgency as a physical illness."

In fact, it has reached crisis proportions. This groundbreaking study found that mental illnesses (including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) account for nearly 25% of all disabilities across major industrialized countries. Unfortunately, several obstacles to achieving the goals set here in the United States by the President and the Commission remain, with stigma leading the pack. Sadly, only one out of two people with a serious form of mental illness seeks treatment for the disorder.

It was clearly a breakthrough when the first-ever Surgeon General's report on mental illness was released in 1999. However, it speaks volumes about the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness when one realizes that the vital role of mental health in all our lives was not officially acknowledged until the eve of the 21st century.

In our nation is at a tipping point This issue is in dire need of re-evaluation. It will likely take years before quality health care coverage for all Americans becomes a reality. In the interim, mental health care must take its rightful place in the healthcare continuum. Statistics showing the remarkable prevalence of mental illness indicate that the mental health of our citizens can no longer be ignored or misrepresented. The consequences of ignoring this issue will result in financial and human cost infinitely greater than any cost associated with adoption of parity.

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp