RFK Jr. Unveils Initiative Against Overuse of Psychiatric Medications

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a new initiative on Monday to target the overuse of psychiatric medications. The effort forms part of a larger push to address the nation's mental health crisis.

Kennedy spoke at a Make America Healthy Again Institute summit. He said the program will focus on appropriate deprescribing of psychiatric drugs and shift care to prevention and holistic treatment approaches.

"Today, we take clear and decisive action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications — especially among children," Kennedy said in a statement.

"We will support patient autonomy, require informed consent and shared decision-making, and shift the standard of care toward prevention, transparency, and a more holistic approach to mental health."

The initiative includes a $100 million effort to tackle addiction, homelessness and mental illness.

Antidepressants count among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. A 2025 survey of more than 30,000 adults found that 16.6 percent were using them, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Kennedy emphasized that the effort does not force patients off medication.

"Let me be clear: If you are taking psychiatric medication, we are not telling you to stop," he said. "We are making sure you — and your clinician — have the information and support to make the right decision for you."

In a letter released Monday, HHS urged providers to prioritize informed consent and shared decision-making. It also called for routine reassessment of the risks and benefits of psychiatric medications with patients.

The department pointed to other treatments for mental health issues, such as therapy, family support, better nutrition and exercise when appropriate.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced new guidance that allows physicians to receive reimbursement for helping patients safely taper off psychiatric medications and monitor withdrawal.

The plan calls for a new report on prescribing trends, more training for doctors and a panel of experts to guide future decisions on medication use.

An HHS spokesperson cited rising prescription rates among children, including increases in ADHD diagnoses and antidepressant use. The spokesperson said the trend shows overmedicalization and a need to expand non-drug, evidence-based treatment options.

"HHS is committed to elevating the role of nonmedication treatments and scalable, evidence-based solutions to improve mental health and prevent the unnecessary initiation of psychiatric medications," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.