New Initiative to Address Psychiatric Drug Overuse
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the “overuse” of psychiatric medications on Monday. This initiative is part of a broader attempt to tackle the ongoing mental health crisis in the nation.
During his speech at the Make America Healthy Again Institute summit, Kennedy highlighted the importance of appropriate deprescribing practices and steering care towards preventive measures and holistic treatment methods. “Today, we are taking clear and decisive action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric drugs, especially among children,” he stated.
He further emphasized the initiative’s focus on supporting patient autonomy while ensuring informed consent and shared decision-making. The aim is to shift care standards toward prevention, transparency, and a more well-rounded approach to mental health management.
Kennedy pointed out that antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the U.S. According to a survey from 2025 involving over 30,000 adults, approximately 16.6% were using antidepressants.
He clarified that the goal isn’t to force patients off their medications. “To be clear, if you’re taking psychiatric medication, we’re not going to tell you to stop,” Kennedy said. “We’re making sure you and your clinician have the information and support to make the right decisions.”
In a letter issued Monday, HHS encouraged healthcare providers to prioritize informed consent and regularly evaluate the risks and benefits of psychiatric medications with their patients. Alternatives to medication, such as therapy, family support, and better nutrition and exercise, were also underscored as valuable treatment options.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced guidelines to reimburse doctors who assist patients in safely tapering off psychiatric medications while monitoring withdrawal symptoms. This plan also includes creating a new report on prescribing trends, enhancing training for healthcare professionals, and forming an expert panel to guide future drug use recommendations.
An HHS representative pointed out the rising prescription rates among children, including increases in ADHD diagnoses and antidepressant prescriptions, suggesting these trends indicate “overmedicalization” and highlight the need for more non-drug, evidence-based treatment methods.
“HHS is committed to increasing the role of non-pharmacological treatments and scalable, evidence-based solutions to improve mental health and prevent unnecessary initiation of psychiatric treatment,” the spokesperson noted.
