CPA Federal Advocacy Update

Week of March 30

Conversion Therapy Ruling

Federal activity this week included a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision and new federal budget signals that may impact behavioral health funding. In Chiles v. Salazar, the Court directed the Tenth Circuit to reconsider Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors under a stricter First Amendment standard. The decision leaves unresolved whether states can regulate what licensed mental health professionals say in clinical sessions, raising broader concerns about consumer protection and professional oversight. Arthur Evans, PhD APA President stated “We are disappointed that the Court has left a core legal question of the case unresolved: whether states can regulate what licensed mental health professionals say to their patients in a clinical session,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. Read their full statement in their press release.

Please watch CPA communications for an upcoming presentation with One Colorado to hear about what is next following this ruling.

Budget

The Administration released its FY27 budget proposal, which includes reductions to public health and safety net programs, including agencies central to psychology such as SAMHSA and NIH. While Congress ultimately determines funding levels and has historically moderated similar proposals, the budget reflects the Administration’s priorities. APA is actively engaging in appropriations advocacy and encouraging member participation in current funding action alerts

Maternal Mental Health

APA advocacy staff participated in the 2026 Maternal Mental Health Forum, where policymakers and healthcare leaders discussed gaps in perinatal mental health care and the need for stronger integration of behavioral health into the broader healthcare system. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy emphasized the importance of treating mental health as an economic and public health priority.

APA Comments to CMS

APA Services submitted comments to CMS regarding efforts to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in federal healthcare programs. The response highlighted the significant administrative burden already placed on behavioral health providers and cautioned against equating increased utilization of services with fraud, which could lead to harmful policy solutions.