Throughout the pandemic NASW highlighted the critical importance of telehealth. The audio-only provision ensures that individuals without reliable internet access or those uncomfortable with video technology can still receive therapy and counseling. The delayed in-person requirement addresses barriers such as transportation challenges and geographic isolation, which often prevent clients from accessing consistent care. NASW’s advocacy helped ensure that these telehealth flexibilities were extended through March of 2025, and we've since continued to advocate to make these flexibilities permanent. We’ve worked to take collective action to help social workers contact their members of Congress and demand that they extend telehealth provisions. More than 6,700 social workers sent messages to Congress through NASW’s Action Center urging lawmakers to extend telehealth flexibilities and eliminate barriers like the 6-month in-person requirement. On March 14, the Senate passed the Continuing Resolution (CR), which included an extension of telehealth flexibilities in Medicare through September 30, 2025, and includes the removal of the 6-month in-person requirement for telemental health services. While NASW was not supportive of the CR as written, we were supportive of extending the telehealth flexibilities and we’re glad that social workers and clients have the flexibility needed for their care.
NASW is now advocating for the permanency of these telehealth flexibilities, recognizing their potential to revolutionize the accessibility and delivery of mental health services. “Our work on telehealth demonstrates the impact of responsive advocacy,” said Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP, NASW’s Public Policy and Advocacy Manager. “We listen to the needs of our members and their clients and take those concerns directly to policymakers.”
“The road to legislative change is often long and filled with challenges, but persistence is key,” Kastner shared. “Even when we don’t see immediate wins, our commitment doesn’t waver. Lawmakers recognize that NASW will continue to fight for these crucial policy changes. Social workers should know we’re out here, fighting for them every day.” Looking forward, NASW’s advocacy will also focus on securing permanent telehealth provisions, addressing reimbursement inequities, and expanding the reach of social work services nationwide. “We are committed to ensuring that the voices of social workers are heard loud and clear,” Kastner said. By continuing to engage members, build coalitions, and champion critical policy initiatives, NASW reaffirms its role as a steadfast advocate for the social work profession.
Read more about NASW’s advocacy for the Improving Access to Mental Health Act and telehealth flexibilities.