UPDATED INFO: San Antonio Forum to Address Access to Mental Health Treatment and Services; Texas, National Policy Experts to Speak on June 26

AUSTIN, Texas, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mental Health America's Regional Policy Council will hold a forum on access to mental health treatment and services in Texas and around the country on Wednesday, June 26, from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm, at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk.

Following the forum, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Mental Health America national staff and Mental Health America of Texas policy staff will hold a legislative briefing. Lunch and registration will begin at 12 Noon.

The forum and briefing will be held in the Alamo Ballroom Salon C of the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk, 889 East Market Street.

At the forum, Texas and national policy experts will address the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and examine a number of important issues, including: the economic impact of policies that limit access to medications; the critical role that consumers of mental health services play in directing in partnership with their providers their path to recovery; and the importance of peer and community-based support services.

Panelists for the forum are:

King Davis, PhD, LMSW-ACP—The Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, who will speak on community inclusion.

Charles Willis, CPS—Director, Georgia Peer Support Resiliency Project, who will provide a peer perspective and the importance of shared decision making.

Jerry Grammer, PhD—Psychologist, Austin Neuropsychiatric Clinic, and Mental Health America of Texas Board Member, who will give a provider perspective on community services.

Howard Fleeter, PhD—Principal, Howard Fleeter and Associates, who will address the economic consequences of prior authorization policies.

Marianne Burdison, LCSW—Director, Product Development, Business Development, Marketing and Communications, Cenpatico Behavioral Health, who will give a managed care perspective on funding services and supports.

Mental Health America's Regional Policy Council is a network of affiliate leaders around the country who monitor and advocate for legislative and policy initiatives in the states.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

SOURCE Mental Health America