To even consider mental health financial parity with mental health practice, remaining as it is would be a fraud, and a sham.

At present non-medical psychologists, and social workers have too much authority, and their "practice" is misunderstood. Psychiatrists must take the full responsibility, to carefully supervise them both in the future.

The American mental health system is often abusive, and cruel.

It is unaccountable, unreliable, and not scientifically valid, nor measurable.

Its "diagnoses" are not communicable to other physicians, and evidence shows produce everlasting unneeded stigma. The patient, and family members are negatively effected for a lifetime. Divorces, suicides, underemployment, etc. are very common.

Its "diagnoses", and conclusions are not quantifiable, nor verifiable which of course are the first requirements of science, and medicine.

Its records are not even open to other scientists, and physicians for full accounting, and objective scutiny. This to improve the services provided.

There is significant evidence of abuse, and death of patients caused by staff arrogance.(1999 GAO Investigatory Report on psychiatric facilities.)

Too many patients simply do not recover after treatment to a satifactory life style.

REFORM OF MENTAL HEALTH MUST COME FIRST BEFORE ANY SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL PARITY.