The Governor’s Office says Pennsylvania’s new behavioral health action plan sets six goals and 41 recommendations to improve access, coverage and workforce support.
Statewide action plan
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of the Governor, says Governor Josh Shapiro met with the Commonwealth’s Behavioral Health Council and Advisory Committee to unveil a new statewide action plan for behavioral health. According to the Governor’s Office, the plan is intended to guide state leaders, local governments, and community providers in delivering improved, faster, and higher-quality behavioral health care services for Pennsylvanians.
The Governor’s Office says the action plan addresses behavioral health challenges across the Commonwealth. The source describes the plan as statewide and says it builds on three years of progress.
Council review and recommendations
According to the Governor’s Office, Governor Shapiro created the Behavioral Health Council when he signed Executive Order 2023-20. The source says the executive order directed the Council to develop a plan for state leaders, local governments, and community providers.
The Governor’s Office says the Council examined the current condition of Pennsylvania’s behavioral health care system, identified points for improvement, and offered 41 recommendations. According to the source, those recommendations are intended to improve access to care and strengthen support for people seeking mental health and addiction care services in Pennsylvania.
Six goals include coverage and workforce issues
The Governor’s Office says the new plan includes six goals for addressing the Commonwealth’s behavioral health challenges. According to the source, the goals include addressing workforce shortages and filling gaps in coverage.
In a statement included in the Governor’s Office release, Governor Shapiro said his administration has focused on improving Pennsylvania’s behavioral health care system. The source says he pointed to dedicated state funding for the 988 crisis hotline and investments in school mental health and safety as part of that work.
The release does not state that the action plan has changed insurance coverage requirements or created a new treatment program. It presents the plan as a set of goals and recommendations developed through the Council’s review of the behavioral health system.
What this means for Pennsylvania patients
According to the Governor’s Office, the plan identifies access, coverage gaps, and workforce shortages as behavioral health priorities in Pennsylvania. For people looking for treatment locally, the directory lists 276 published clinics in Pennsylvania and can help users locate options in their area.
General information only, not medical advice.
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