This document provides an overview of essential information necessary for understanding mental health and substance use disorder parity and how to implement and comply with federal parity laws. This guide applies to parity laws in employer-sponsored health plans and group and individual insurance.

There are protections in federal law, collectively known as “parity,” which are designed to ensure that certain types of health plans cover mental and substance use disorders no less generously than they cover other health issues. This resource can guide you to helpful materials and places.

This guide reviews literature on treating college students’ mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors; distills the research into recommendations for practice; and provides examples of the ways that these recommendations can be implemented.

This guide reviews ways that telehealth modalities can be used to provide treatment for serious mental illness and substance use disorders among adults, distills the research into recommendations for practice, and provides examples of how these recommendations can be implemented.

This guide examines emerging and best practices for initiating medication-assisted treatment in emergency departments. It also reviews the existing literature and science of the topic, identifies gaps in knowledge, and discusses challenges of implementation.

This resource provides information for clinicians who may encounter patients living with cognitive deficits related to chronic substance use disorder.

This resource describes the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 for people with employer-sponsored health plans who need treatment for mental and/or substance use disorders. It discusses how to file a claim, the denial of a claim and the appeals process.

This resource discusses the relationship between sleep disturbances and substance use disorders among people in recovery. It provides guidance on assessing and treating sleep issues. It also reviews non-pharmacological, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs.

This guide highlights behavioral health challenges facing veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. It presents challenges related to substance misuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. The guide also discusses screening tools and intervention.