"A missing link in Massachusetts mental health law" (Boston Globe Op Ed - December 19, 2022) Assisted outpatient treatment supervises the patient’s treatment and allows people with mental illness to live in their neighborhoods rather than in jails, prisons, or hospitals. By Dr. Jhilam Biswas
Timely Treatment
Testimony for An Act To Provide More Timely Treatment of Inpatient Mental Health Care: H2210 and S1401 - October 6, 2025
Video Clip: Testimony Given by Dr. Jhilam Biswas and Dr. Rohn Friedman
Dr. Jhilam Biswas testifying before the Joint Committee on Education on "The Study Act" filed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell that will ban cell phone in the classrooms during school hours.
“We are raising younger generations in a digital storm, where attention is fractured, sleep disrupted, and mood and confidence affected by likes and comparison. The Massachusetts Psychiatric Society strongly supports the STUDY Act because the evidence is clear: the unregulated use of smartphones in schools is part of a public health crisis in youth mental health. This legislation is a vital step toward protecting young developing minds. Schools should be a place of focus, connection, and digital detox—a space where children are free to think on their own, without the constant pull of an algorithm. Our kids deserve a break from the noise so they can truly learn, grow, and socialize,” said Jhilam Biswas, MD, President, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society.
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AG Healey Announces Groundbreaking Agreements that Expand Access to Behavioral Health Services for More Than One Million Residents
“The Massachusetts Psychiatric Society applauds Attorney General Healey for her admirable work to help the residents of the Commonwealth gain access to treatment and knowledge and transparency about their mental health and substance use benefits,” said Marilyn Price, MD, President, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society. “The mental health parity investigation is a tremendous endeavor. Persons seeking mental health care should have the same access to timely care as they would with any other illness.”
