05/14/2026
Sec. Kennedy and MAHA are advancing the message that mental health has been “overmedicalized” with a detailed focus on overprescribing, the detrimental impacts and side-effects of antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and the need for more detailed guidelines for tapering off these medications.
The plan emphasizes patient choice, holistic care, and reevaluating long-term medication use—but advocates and experts say the conversation must also address gaps in access, treatment options, and ongoing need to improve access to care and effective treatment. Hear what our Sr. Director of Policy, Jim Poole, had to say on this topic with WTTW - Chicago PBS, Chicago Tonight.
"And I think our concern at NAMI Chicago is that this reinforces sort of a medication stigma that people might feel, that there's something shameful about using a mental health medication. And we know from our conversations every day, that's a really important tool for lots of folks in their recovery. And it's life changing, lifesaving for many of our neighbors."- Sr. Director of Policy, Jim Poole
Learn more: ➡️ https://news.wttw.com/2026/05/13/rfk-jr-launches-plan-address-overuse-psychiatric-medications
