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How the PAC is working for Oregon mental health providers

The Oregon Mental Health Providers Political Action Community (OMHP-PAC) was formed to represent Oregon mental health providers in electing and re-electing champions who represent our interests in office, as well as to put forth legislation to support issues affecting mental health providers working to provide quality access to mental health care in Oregon.

We recognize that Oregon mental health providers are working hard every day to advocate for our clients. We need the same advocacy fighting for us in the Oregon legislature.

The PAC focuses on issues facing group and solo mental health practices, individual providers and their clients. Our central value is ensuring equal and affordable access to mental health care services for all that seek it in the state of Oregon. This issue is intricately connected to the many facets of the business of providing quality, sustainable mental health services in our communities,. Examples include education and support for those entering the profession, support for providers in the private practice arena, medicare and medicaid behavioral health policy, and private insurance policies. Along with our grassroots advocacy, Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC is a vital tool in addressing counselor's concerns at the state and federal level.

What is a PAC?

PAC stands for "political action committee." A political action committee is a government-regulated organization that anyone can form to raise money for political campaign donations. PACs are formed by individuals, nonprofits and even many major corporations. Funds raised contribute to local candidates of both parties, based on factors emphasizing candidates’ support for policies that would assist mental health therapists and their clients.

Who is represented by the Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC?

The PAC represents solo and group practices, as well as individual providers working in other capacities outside of private practice. Anyone providing therapy in the mental health field including Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Qualified Mental Health Therapists, and Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, as well as interns, and associates in their respective licensure fields will benefit from joining in the collective voice of this group. Together, we ensure that our interests are represented with our legislators.

How does Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC work?

Oregon Mental Health Providers Political Action Committee, or OMHP-PAC, is a nonpartisan organization that provides opportunities for members to participate in the American political process. By pooling contributions from many members and focusing our donations on candidates in key decision-making positions, the PAC is able to highlight the public policy views of mental health therapists as a group in Oregon All association PACs are funded by voluntary contributions. Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC is no different; it relies on the participation of our members.

Who receives Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC contributions?

Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC is nonpartisan. It supports Democrats and Republicans alike. True to its nonpartisan values, Oregon Mental Health Providers PAC is committed to support candidates from both political parties who share our vision and values for improved access to mental healthcare services.

This year’s priorities. Looking forward to the 2023 legislative session, we have identified the following priorities:

Introducing legislation that encompasses a "provider bill of rights" in insurance audits
Exploring ways to protect the profession against mega-companies which are utilizing mental health services to garner marketing opportunities
Understanding the interstate COMPACT and how it will affect our state; educating and advocating for the best interests of mental health providers
Gathering additional priorities of our constituents to address with our legislators

The mission of the PAC is to ensure that the voices of Oregon mental health providers are at the forefront of discussions on issues that affect access to care issues for mental health in Oregon, and in particular that private practices are included as an important component of providing quality mental health services statewide.

Important links:

Information about the Provider Bill of Rights in Audits is here

Candidates we are endorsing in the 2022 election are listed here

Mental Health Providers may sign up to join our listserve here