Institute of Mental Health 3, Nov 06 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Less than half of the children and adults with a diagnosis of a mental health problem receive the treatment they need. The Obama administration has made it a priority to do everything possible to make it easier to access mental health services. Over the past several years, the administration has taken steps to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental illness, and to ensure that millions of American’s have access to health insurance that covers mental health and substance abuse disorder services at parity with medical and surgical benefits.

Also, the President has proposed an additional $130 million in his FY 2014 Budget for efforts such as helping to ensure teachers and other adults who work with youth can recognize signs of mental illness and connect children and their families to the treatment they need.

The Administration hosted the National Conference on Mental Health to discuss ways to reduce stigma.