Mental Health Liaison Group endorses OT Mental Health Parity Act as congressional support grows

Momentum is building for the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act as the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG)—a coalition of more than 100 national organizations—has endorsed the legislation. This endorsement follows the bipartisan reintroduction of the bill in the Senate (S. 2847) by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Tim Scott (R-SC). The House bill (H.R. 4037) is also seeing growing support, already surpassing its number of co-sponsors from last Congress.

The Mental Health Liaison Group is a leading voice in federal mental health policy, representing organizations that advocate for people with mental health and substance use conditions, their families, providers, and other stakeholders. Its endorsement underscores broad consensus across the behavioral health community to ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access the full scope of care they need—including occupational therapy.

More than 30 organizations signed on to MHLG’s endorsement letter, including practitioner groups, treatment providers, patient advocates, and other key stakeholders. Signers include the American Nurses Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, among others.

This diverse backing demonstrates that leading voices across the mental health field recognize occupational therapy as an integral part of behavioral health treatment.

MHLG’s letter highlights a critical gap: despite existing Medicare coverage, too many beneficiaries struggle to access OT services because the system doesn’t fully recognize OT’s role in behavioral health. This legislation aims to close that gap—ensuring clarity, consistency, and stronger integration of OT into mental health care.

OT is already transforming lives in a range of behavioral health settings. This bill ensures those services aren’t sidelined by outdated policies—helping Medicare beneficiaries access care that supports independence, recovery, and quality of life.

Take Action: Urge Congress to Support the OT Mental Health Parity Act

Help build support for this critical legislation by contacting your Members of Congress and asking them to co-sponsor H.R. 4037/S. 2847, the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act.

Click here to send a message through AOTA’s Legislative Action Center!