Reinstate private telemental health sessions for VA therapists

The current directive forcing VA therapists to conduct mental health counseling sessions in open cubicles is highly concerning and detrimental to veterans seeking care. This arrangement blatantly violates patient privacy laws like HIPAA, which mandate that reasonable safeguards be implemented to protect confidential health information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Additionally, it contravenes ethical guidelines established by professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), which explicitly state that telepsychology services must be conducted in a physically private setting free from third-party monitoring to uphold confidentiality. Forcing vulnerable individuals to discuss deeply personal and traumatic experiences in an open environment is not only unethical but will undoubtedly discourage many veterans from seeking the critical mental health support they need and deserve. This misguided policy poses a significant barrier to care and could exacerbate the already alarming mental health crisis among our nation's veterans. In light of these serious issues, I urge you to reinstate remote work accommodations for VA therapists to enable them to properly conduct telemental health services from secure, private locations in compliance with legal and ethical standards. Additionally, I request that you speak out publicly about this topic to raise awareness and advocate for the well-being and privacy rights of our veterans seeking mental health care. Upholding these principles is essential to fostering an environment where veterans feel safe and comfortable accessing high-quality mental health care without compromising their confidentiality or dignity. Our veterans have sacrificed immensely for this country, and they deserve nothing less than the utmost respect, compassion, and adherence to best practices in their treatment and recovery.