Equality of health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and substance abuse services. National and state organizations have made efforts to obtain progress in this direction. See Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA).

Federal legislation enacted on September 26, 1996, that prohibits a lifetime dollar amount on mental health benefits by group health insurance plans and those that issue coverage under such plans.

Psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, psychiatric hospital, or other institution for mental disease that is licensed to render mental health services.

Insurance payer phrase for health care services given to members of a managed care or private plan for emotional problems or chemical dependency.

Any type of illness in which psychological syndrome, intellectual, emotional, or behavioral dysfunction is the main feature.

Disorder characterized by significantly below average general intellectual function with deficits or impairments in the ability to learn and to adapt socially. The cause may be genetic, biological, psychosocial, or traumatic.