For purposes of this assignment, you should assume that key policymakers have en

For purposes of this assignment, you should assume that key policymakers have engaged your services as a policy analyst and they are asking for assistance to explain issues, analyze policy options and make recommendations to them about potential policy solutions.
Problem identification that is neutral and able to be analytically managed
Background Section that addresses the factual information needed to understand the problem
Landscape Section that includes key stakeholders and factors needing consideration
Options Section 3-5 policy alternatives for policymakers to consider with the pros and cons of each
Recommendations Section that addresses one (1) option as your recommendation as to why this option is preferred and what can be done to mitigate any potential negative consequences associated with it
Remember- your policy brief should contain distinct sections with headings for each of the elements outlined above: Problem Identification, Background Section, Landscape section, Options Section and Recommendations Section.
Problem identification: Accessibility and Insurance coverage for mental health patients.
Background Section: There are high costs of psychotropic medications, psychotherapeutic treatments and behavioral rehabilitation. There is also a lack of adequate insurance coverage for mental health and a limited access and utilization of the quality of mental health services.
Landscape Section: High cost and insufficient insurance coverage. When insurance companies have inadequate provider network of professionals to provide mental health care in an area, they can effectively discriminate against people needing care. These forces wait for long periods of time before getting treatments, they may have to travel great distance to see an in-network provider and see a professional outside of their network at a high out of pocket cost. Reasons for this can be that there is. Shortage of mental health professionals could be a reason for this or that mental health providers do not accept insurance because they do not get paid enough by the insurance companies for their services. There are also restrictive standards and criteria that must be met to qualify for coverage or treatment.
Options Section: 1. Destigmatize mental health, shift the perspectives of it and bring awareness. State and federal policies should implement a mental health education program in schools and even in workplaces. This will allow the stigma to fall and help those who need it. 2. Widen accessibility of mental health care by strengthen enforcement of parity regulations between physical and mental health care, requiring insurers to publish clear information on coverage and approval criteria and bringing together policy makers to decrease out of pocket cost. 3. Work on developing a better research and data base on mental health. There is a limited description of services, lack of integration between electronic health information system and poorly defined quality measures.
Recommendations Section: One recommendation would be to make mental health screenings universals. Policy makers should take action to make this screening a routine part of primary care services. This will help identify symptoms earlier and allow providers to have a baseline of patients’ mental health status and track improvements over time. This can help with cost as well since it will be monitored and will help with treating the condition.