Illinois Lawmakers have taken a step towards making mental health support more accessible. 

Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, explains that HB 1085, also known as the Mental Health Parity Law, was brought to them by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe of the 19th district. He says this bill will adjust mental health service rates to be more in line with other health care costs when it comes to insurance. 

This bill will also aid in accessibility to mental health professionals. Kirkman says people who are in the process of becoming licensed may now practice under the supervision of a licensed professional. He points out other changes, like 60-minute therapy being covered.

While this idea benefits people who are in the mental health industry and those who utilize its services, Kirkman admits there are two sides to every coin. He understands the concerns over potential insurance rate increases in the wake of the bill being passed. 

Kirkman says this bill is a big step forward in mental health advocacy, but has mixed feelings on the bill as a whole. He says it will make it much harder to find a provider for patients who are on Medicaid or do not have health insurance at all. 

Kirkman reminds that the Piatt County Mental Health Center is a community mental health center, and they do not discriminate against patients based on their ability to pay. Learn more at piattmhc.org.