ROSALYNN CARTER'S "A leap in mental care for children" ( Op-ed, July 9) points out the importance of mental health coverage for all children. I support the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, along with the current state Senate measure that if passed would require Massachusetts insurers to cover mental health and substance abuse disorders in the same way as medical conditions. Currently, HMO outpatient treatment covers up to 24 visits per calendar year. Children and adults who suffer from mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder are subject to this limit.
As a sufferer of PTSD, I know that 24 visits per year is not enough. My family has paid thousands of out-of-pocket dollars to get the care I needed because of the lack of insurance coverage. First, it took me a very long time to trust a therapist before I could start talking about the trauma. The current mental health limits do not take this into consideration. Secondly, it was through trust, consistency, and reassurance from my therapists that helped me work through the trauma. As a result of doing this work, I am leading a more productive life today.
RITA PURCELL
Wellesley 
