Representative Tim Murphy Recognized For Advocacy Work On Mental Health Issues

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) was honored last night by the APA Practice Organization for his advocacy work and legislative accomplishments on mental health issues. The Practice Organization presented Rep. Murphy with the 2017 Outstanding Leadership Award, given annually to a member of Congress who has done exceptional work on behalf of professional psychology.

Rep. Murphy championed a much needed overhaul of federal funding and coordination of mental health and substance use programs, an APA Practice Organization priority, which was accomplished in the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which the President signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act late last year.  This law will greatly improve services to patients, particularly those with serious mental illnesses.

"I am grateful for the help the American Psychological Association, the APA Practice Organization and their members have provided to get this vitally important bill across the finish line. It's been a long, difficult process but nowhere near as difficult as the individuals and families who are dealing with mental illness," said Murphy. "Many will call this the most significant mental health legislation in 50 years. This new law helped to unite mental health organizations that do not traditionally work together. We'll continue to build on the strength of all the mental health professionals and organizations to work towards improving services for those who are struggling – from children to seniors to severely disabled and everyone in between."

"Representative Murphy's efforts reflect his long-standing dedication and commitment to improving access to mental health care for individuals across the lifespan, particularly those with serious mental illness," said Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, executive director for professional practice. 

At the 2016 APA Convention in Denver, Colorado, then President Susan H. McDaniel awarded Rep. Murphy with the APA Presidential Citation for his invaluable work on mental health policy issues.

In the House, Rep. Murphy is the Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce's Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations (O&I) and will serve on the Subcommittee on Health, Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Environment in the 115^th Congress.

Rep. Murphy is serving his eighth term in the United States House of Representatives representing Pennsylvania.

The APA Practice Organization is an affiliate to the American Psychological Association, the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. The Practice Organization, a 501 c6 organization, promotes and supports practicing psychologists. www.apapracticecentral.org.

SOURCE American Psychological Association

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