Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through September

Practice

Throughout the pandemic, NASW highlighted the critical importance of telehealth. The audio-only provision ensures that individuals without reliable internet access or those uncomfortable with video technology can still receive therapy and counseling.

Social workers sent more than 6,700 messages to Congress through the NASW Action Center urging members of Congress to extend telehealth flexibilities. In March, the U.S. Senate passed the continuing resolution, which included an extension of telehealth flexibilities in Medicare through Sept. 30, 2025, and includes the removal of the six-month, in-person requirement for telemental health services. While NASW was not supportive of the continuing resolution as written, the association said it supports the extension of the telehealth flexibilities.

NASW is now advocating for the permanency of these telehealth flexibilities, recognizing their potential to revolutionize the accessibility and delivery of mental health services. “Our work on telehealth demonstrates the impact of responsive advocacy,” said NASW Public Policy and Advocacy Manager Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP. “We listen to the needs of our members and their clients and take those concerns directly to policymakers.”