Mental Health Access Reform
Your goal is to convince the person you are writing to that a change (your change) needs to take place related to your issue or concern.
Address letter to a Congressional Representative.
NOTE: You can’t write about the same issue or concern they must be different issues or concerns for the local and federal representative. Please also address the concern to the appropriate party. For example, if the issue is local and mandated by the state, then you would not be addressing the federal representative.
Grading Rubric and Directions for implementation Letters:
- All letters should be a max of two pages long and done in a formal letter format with proper salutations and signature.
- Addressed to the correct person: 10%,
- Clear choice and succinct explanation of health policy issue: 25%,
- Clear statement of your position/view on the issue chosen: 20%,
- Directive statement of what you want the person/organization to do: 25%,
- Directive closing statement salutations contact information and follow-up: 20%
Mental Health Access Reform
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Is the letter addressed to the appropriate Congressional Representative for a federal issue?
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Is there a clear explanation of the health policy issue being raised?
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Have you clearly stated your position on the issue?
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Do you include a direct request for specific action from the representative?
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Is the letter closed with proper format, contact information, and request for follow-up?
Assignment Response – Federal Level Letter (Mental Health Access)
[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Representative’s Full Name]
U.S. House of Representatives
[Representative’s Office Address]
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative [Last Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and healthcare professional to urge your attention toward the pressing national issue of limited access to mental health services, especially for underserved and rural populations. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened an already strained mental health care system, leaving millions of Americans without adequate support. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 55% of adults with mental illness in the U.S. receive no treatment. This treatment gap not only undermines individual health outcomes but also burdens emergency services, law enforcement, and our overall economy.
As an advocate for mental health equity, I believe it is time for Congress to strengthen the mental health safety net by expanding access to licensed mental health providers and telehealth services. I urge you to support and co-sponsor legislation such as the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 432), which would allow licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to bill Medicare directly. Removing these barriers would increase the number of available mental health providers, especially in areas where access is critically limited.
Additionally, I recommend increasing federal funding for community mental health programs and incentivizing workforce development for behavioral health professionals. Expanding broadband infrastructure to support telehealth access is equally vital in rural communities.
Your leadership can make a powerful difference in how our country prioritizes mental health. I respectfully request that you advocate for policies that promote access to affordable, evidence-based mental health care for all Americans.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. I look forward to hearing about the steps you are taking to address this urgent matter and welcome the opportunity to follow up on this important issue.
Mental Health Access Reform