WASHINGTON, March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was honored last night by the American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) for his advocacy work and legislative accomplishments on mental health issues. APAPO recognized Sen. Brown with the 2014 Outstanding Leadership Award, given annually to a member of Congress who has done good work on behalf of professional psychology.
Sen. Brown has prominently championed the goals of professional psychology. He is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1064, APAPO priority legislation to allow psychologists to practice in the Medicare program without unnecessary physician supervision.
"Senator Brown has always been a mental health leader in Congress and we are pleased that he is sponsoring this important patient access legislation," says Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, APAPO's executive director.
Sen. Brown is serving his second term in the United States Senate representing Ohio.
"The nation relies on practicing psychologists to lead the way in patient care, so that Americans who struggle with mental health or behavioral health concerns can live full and rich lives," says Sen. Brown. "Approximately 26 percent of adults experience mental disorders in any given year. It is critical that we have the resources necessary to understand and treat Americans with mental health problems. I applaud the APA Practice Organization for its important work, and I thank its members for this recognition. Together, we must continue to fight for access to mental health care for our citizens."
In the Senate, Sen. Brown is a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; the Committee on Finance; the Select Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection.
The American Psychological Association Practice Organization is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.
SOURCE American Psychological Association Practice Organization