American Psychiatric Association Calls For Payment Of Oil Spill Mental Health Claims

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 16 Aug 2010 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Psychiatric Association is urging BP claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg to treat requests for reimbursement for mental health care the same as other health claims related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

"Mental illnesses brought on by difficult situations surrounding the BP oil spill may be less visible than other injuries, but they are real. An entire way of life has been destroyed, and this is causing anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, thoughts of suicide and other problems," said APA President Carol A Bernstein, M.D.

The APA joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America and other mental health organizations in objecting to Feinberg's recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Feinberg testified that he was unlikely to use money from the $20 billion relief fund to settle claims where the main complaint involves mental health issues.

Source:
American Psychiatric Association

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