Secretary Kennedy shared information and resources and advocated for a reduction in prescription medications for mental health.
The Department for Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans to reduce the overprescription of drugs for psychiatric patients. The department described the effort as a “multipronged approach.” In a Dear Colleague Letter, HHS emphasized alternatives to medication when appropriate, such as support systems, diet, exercise, and therapy.
At a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Institute event, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said, “Psychiatric medications have a role to play, but we will no longer treat them as default.“
The health secretary stated, “We take clear and decisive action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications—especially among children. We will support patient autonomy, require informed consent and shared decision-making, and shift the standard of care toward prevention, transparency, and a more holistic approach to mental health.”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published guidelines for medical professionals on alternative methods of care. Secretary Kennedy said, “We pay for care planning, for monitoring withdrawal, for coordinating treatment, and for tracking outcomes.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Kennedy as he implements peer-reviewed reports and information to help American citizens live healthier lives.
- For HHS officials to be discerning as they provide guidance to medical and mental health professionals.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services, Politico
