clinical social work association

I wanted to inform you of the filing of a Washington State class action lawsuit against Group Health Corporation, a major insurer in Washington State, for failing to use adequate guidelines in covering psychotherapy.  An article about the suit has been published by Courthouse News Service at http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/05/class-says-insurer-wont-cover-psychotherapy.htm

One of the lead plaintiffs is Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work Past-President, and CSWA Board Member, Karen Hansen, LICSW.  Group Health's attitude toward covering mental health treatment has been quite restrictive for decades.  This is a brave move by Karen and her fellow plaintiffs to stop these unethical practices and potentially benefit all clinicians and patients.

Please contact Albert Kirby, JD, the attorney who has filed this complaint, at ahkirby@soundjustice.com for more information or if you have a case to add to the complaint inn Washington State.

This suit is likely to have an impact on all psychotherapy coverage in Washington State and provide a model for other states who have similar restrictive insurers.