Election Day is a celebration of democracy’s power to shape our communities and improve lives! It’s inspiring to see how legislation and government can be a critical tool to expand access and education about mental health services, such as psychotherapy incorporating horses.
Legislative action focused on supporting veterans, older adults, and those with disabilities have a huge hand in bringing the transformative power of psychotherapy incorporating horses to the people who need it. Your vote helps pave the way for these advancements in mental health care, and every voice counts in making positive change. Politicians and public officials from federal to local have used their power to raise the critical issue that is mental health.
Legislation Paving the Way
With mental health increasingly at the forefront of conversations with legislators and rising mental health challenges across the country, access to supportive therapies is critical. Consider these statistics on the state of mental healthcare access in the U.S.:
- More than 150 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas across the country, indicating insufficient providers for the population in need. (AAMC)
- 51% of counties in the United States have no practicing psychiatrists. (AAMC)
- Half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford healthcare costs including mental health services.
Federal and state initiatives are responding by championing access to therapy, including those incorporating horses, which have shown significant benefits for individuals managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, led by Rep. Andy Barr, includes provisions specifically for therapies incorporating horses to support veterans’ mental health. This act acknowledges the powerful impact of human-horse interactions in preventing veteran suicide and promoting overall well-being.
Another piece of legislation the Mental Health Access Improvement Act seeks to expand Medicare coverage for licensed mental health professionals providing therapeutic services incorporating animals. This crucial step broadens access to these therapeutic options for older adults and people with disabilities, ensuring more Americans can benefit from meaningful support. Horses for Mental Health champions these initiatives and the organizations and ultimately psychotherapy participants who will benefit from their creation.
The Congressional Horse Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY), unites lawmakers in recognizing the equine industry’s valuable impact on mental health. This bipartisan group advocates for expanded access to psychotherapy incorporating horses, promoting its benefits to people across the country. By staying engaged and voting for candidates who prioritize expanded access to mental health services, voters, like you, help sustain legislative support for these impactful and critical therapies.
U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on Parental and Youth Mental Health
The Nation’s doctor or the Surgeon General is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by Congress and serves as the leading spokesperson on matters of public health. Sitting U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has become a key voice in the mental health landscape, emphasizing the challenges faced by both parents and youth. Dr. Murthy has issued advisories highlighting the “crisis of our time” — the declining mental health of children and adolescents. He notes that factors such as social media, academic stress, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic have created unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles among young people.
Dr. Murthy has also sounded the alarm on the growing mental health strain experienced by parents and caregivers. Economic pressures, balancing work and home life, and social isolation have led to heightened rates of stress, which in turn affect family dynamics and children’s well-being. His message is clear: accessible and affordable mental health resources are essential for families to break these cycles and foster resilience.
Reach Out to Your Member of Congress
Your vote is just one way to make a difference—reaching out to your Members of Congress (MOC) can be a powerful tool for change. Lawmakers value hearing from their constituents, and your voice can make a difference in shaping mental health legislation. Whether it’s supporting expanded access to psychotherapy incorporating horses, advocating for broader mental health coverage, or simply sharing your story, every message counts.
Have you ever considered sending a message to your MOC? We’ve created a template to make your advocacy just a little bit easier. Check out these resources and reach out to your member of Congress with your story.
Find your Member of Congress here and reach out today using our Legislative Outreach Template for nonprofit organizations or our Individual Constituent Outreach Template
Let’s celebrate this Election Day by voting and advocating for a future that supports wellness, mental health, and the power of human-horse interactions.
