Washington state mental health care providers are rallying behind a new bill, aimed at addressing what they are calling the mental health care crisis. 

Research shows nearly half of Washington counties lack a psychiatrist, and many mental health professionals in the state don’t accept Medicaid or other public insurance. 

Jake Swanton, vice president of state affairs for Inseparable, said insurance companies blame a lack of providers. But, he added, low reimbursement rates and administrative burdens imposed by insurance companies play a role in the shortage. 

“It’s forcing a lot of these providers who are just small business owners or solo practitioners, in some cases out of network and forcing them to not take insurance so that they can run their business,” Swanton said. 

Research shows in-network visit reimbursement is 22% higher for medical clinicians than for mental health practitioners providing the same services. 

House Bill 1432 aims to update Washington laws so insurance companies follow standard care guidelines while easing administrative hassles and financial risks for providers. 

London Breedlove, director of professional affairs and policy with the Washington State Psychological Association, said the pay disparity, along with stressful conversations with clients about coverage, contribute to the mental health provider shortage. She added that historical stigma surrounding mental health is partly responsible. 

“And we feel it every day,” said Breedlove, “both in terms of right these kinds of conversations that we’re having to have, and also in terms of how we’re reimbursed and how we’re paid for our work.” 

House Bill 1432 also addresses clawbacks, where insurance companies retroactively decide a mental health visit wasn't medically necessary. 

Swanton explained that this practice forces providers to repay reimbursements, causing financial strain, while leaving patients with surprise medical bills. 

This story was originally published by Washington News Service, a bureau of Public News Service, a national newswire with a local focus with state-level, public interest news.