Medicaid: Principles for Treatment of Children and Youth with Emotional and Substance Use Disorders

The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS) made the following recommendations in Congressional testimony. NAPHS was joined in this testimony and recommendation by the National Association for Children's Behavioral Health  Their joint message to Congress centered on the need to ensure that all children and adolescents have access to a full array of comprehensive mental health services. They said that Congress and the states should:

• Ensure that a comprehensive evaluation and screening of children [such as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) is available
  
  
• Ensure that EPSDT remains a strong and viable part of the Medicaid program
  
  
• Require development of a comprehensive and uniform developmental and psychological screen as well as periodicity schedules
  
  
• Encourage use of EPSDT as a cost-effective way to identify and treat young people with emotional and substance use disorders before their conditions contribute to chronic, costly medical expenses for Medicaid over the long term
  
  
• Protect coordination of services through targeted case management
  
  
• Protect the rehab and clinic options within Medicaid
  
  
• Clarify the conditions under which both the government and providers administer, operate, and monitor the psychiatric under 21 benefit. This will provide accountability and help to ensure quality and safety. Psychiatric residential treatment facilities provide a comprehensive, 24-hour structured milieu that is a crucial part of a comprehensive array of 24-hour behavioral health services essential for young people with emotional and substance use disorders