Policy, Parity, and Progress: Understanding Mental Health Insurance Through Time

Insurance coverage has long shaped how and whether individuals access mental health care in the United States. This continuing education event explores the historical relationship between health insurance and mental health services—from institutional care and early exclusions to parity laws and the ACA. Through data, policy analysis, and first-hand provider insights, we’ll examine how insurance has acted both as a barrier and a bridge to mental wellness.

The session will highlight key legislation, socioeconomic impacts, and current realities for providers navigating the insurance landscape. A...Read morettendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how history informs today’s clinical systems—and how to advocate for equitable, accessible care. Less...

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Learning Objectives

Summarize the historical timeline of insurance coverage for mental health care in the U.S.
Identify key policies and legislation (e.g., Mental Health Parity Act, ACA) that have impacted access to mental health services.
Analyze current statistical trends related to mental health insurance coverage and unmet needs.
Evaluate the benefits and challenges of accepting insurance from a provider perspective.
Describe strategies to reduce access barriers for clients within insurance-based care models.

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.

Learning Levels

Beginner

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Live Interactive Webinar

02:00 PM EDT - 03:30 PM EDT

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EARN 1.5 CE Credit Hours

About the speakers

Alisa Trout, LMFT

Alisa Trout is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in clinical operations, academic leadership, and provider training. As Director of Clinical Operations at Tava Health, she supervises a network of over 1,500 therapists, develops continuing education programs, and provides cross-functional leadership. With adjunct professor roles at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Jefferson University, Alisa specializes in curriculum design, evidence-based therapy techniques, and creating inclusive learning environments. Her career reflects a commitment to advancing mental health services through innovative education, trauma-informed care, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Keyunda Washington

Keyunda Washington, LMHC, QS is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of post-master’s experience supporting youth, families, and adults across school-based, community, and psychiatric settings. Her clinical expertise includes treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD, with a focus on culturally responsive care for BIPOC clients. Keyunda draws from cognitive-behavioral, holistic, and integrative treatment models in her work. She has provided services in both private practice and through contracts with EAPs and group health insurers. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to crisis intervention programs, school-based therapy, and vocational services. Known for her strong leadership, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, she is passionate about empowering clients and enhancing access to quality mental health care.

Christie Cutshall

Christie Cutshall, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker based in Eastern Tennessee with over nine years of experience supporting children, teens, families, and adults through a holistic, person-in-environment lens. She currently provides therapeutic services at the DePriest Center and has worked across a range of settings, including schools, juvenile justice programs, and medical and hospice care. Christie is trained in CBT, REBT, TF-CBT, and motivational interviewing, and is passionate about helping clients grow by supporting both individual and environmental change. She brings warmth, clinical insight, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.

Agenda

Welcome & Introduction

Historical Context: Mental Health and Insurance Pre-1970s

Legislation & Reform: From Parity to ACA

Data Snapshot: Coverage, Gaps & Disparities Today

Provider Panel: Real-World Insights from Insurance-Based Clinicians

Bridging the Gap: How Insurance Can Support Access

Q&A and Closing Reflections

CE Information - Earn 1.5 CE Credit Hours

CE Approvals

National Board for Certified Counselors

Tava has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7563. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Tava is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

CE Process Info

Before the event, you will receive an email from CE-Go with access to the virtual event. After the event, you will receive access to your evaluation and continuing education certificate via a personalized "attendee dashboard" link, hosted on the CE-Go website. This link and access to the virtual event will be sent to the email account you used to register for the event.

Upon accessing the CE-Go "attendee dashboard", you will be able to:

Complete evaluation forms for the event
Download your continuing education certificate in a PDF format

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the CE-Go platform, please contact CE-Go at 888-498-5578 or by email at support@ce-go.com Please Note: Emails for this event will come from "support@ce-go.com".

If you have any continuing education related questions, please contact your event organizer at support@tavahealth.com.

Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder in case those emails get "stuck". We'd also suggest "Allowlisting" support@ce-go.com. This tells your email client that you know this sender and trust them, which will keep emails from this contact at the top of your inbox and out of the junk folder.

Disclosure

This is an NBCC approved CE Event and is not NASW or APA approved. Confirm with your state licensing board if this course meets your continuing education requirements, depending on your clinical license type.