For too many people, access to mental health or substance use care is delayed, denied or driven out of network—despite clear parity laws. The problem isn’t invisible anymore.
The Mental Health Parity Index (MHPI) is a first‑of‑its‑kind, open-access tool that uses real‑time, insurer‑reported data to reveal where mental health and substance use disorder care falls behind physical healthcare—and where change is possible.
County by county, plan by plan, the MHPI shows where access breaks down, how payment disparities persist and what it will take to close the gap.
What the data makes clear
The findings are clear: access to mental health and substance use disorder care continues to lag behind physical healthcare.
- Patients in 43 states and the District of Columbia may have more difficulty finding in-network mental health and substance use disorder care.
- 7 in 10 counties show similar local access gaps.
- In 49 states and the District of Columbia, payment for outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment is lower than for outpatient physical healthcare.
- Across the four largest commercial insurance networks, those payment rates are 5% to 34% lower on average.
The result: many patients may be forced to seek out-of-network care, raising their costs and creating additional barriers to treatment.
Built for accountability—and sustainable solutions
Launched by The Kennedy Forum with leading partners including the American Medical Association, the MHPI equips insurers, employers, policymakers, clinicians and advocates with the transparency needed to turn parity from a promise into a sustainable reality.
In fact, some plans and counties are getting it right, and the MHPI shows how—as well as where others can partner with the AMA and others to drive much needed conversations about improving access to high quality mental health and substance use disorder care for patients.
Tell your story
Share your experience. Demand parity that works for the patients you care for. Together, we can help end discrimination and ensure more people get the care they need. Your voice matters!
