Applied Research

Federal departments and agencies should make mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) data collection and reporting a top priority by finalizing a proposed rule to require states to report on MH/SUD measures in Medicaid, creating a common MH/SUD data model and reporting portal that all recipients of federal MH/SUD funds must use, reestablishing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Data Council, and adding new MH/SUD vital statistics records to the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) that are updated monthly.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should fast-track the creation of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved technology-based treatments, digital interventions, and biomarker-based interventions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) should develop a means to evaluate behavior modification apps for effectiveness.[1]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) should implement a fast-track review process for any new evidence-based technology supporting substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatments.[1]

Congress should pass the Barriers to Suicide Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a program to facilitate the installation of evidence-based suicide deterrents and establishes a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to explore what types of structures attract suicide attempts.[1][2]

Congress should appropriate additional funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) to fund additional research on Black youth mental health and suicide.[1]

Congress should increase funding for research on the impact of social media and technology on youth mental health and for consumer education about potential mental health risks online.[1]