RFK Jr backs plan to curb antidepressants and expand nondrug care
TL;DR
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a federal plan to curb antidepressant prescribing, with the Department of Health and Human Services promoting deprescribing and the use of nonpharmacological treatments (psychotherapy, diet, exercise, social connection) when appropriate. The plan includes provider guidance and reimbursements for deprescribing, while the APA welcomed the focus but warned that deprescribing alone won't fix access and workforce gaps in mental health care. A 2025 survey found ~17% of Americans use antidepressants, and Kennedy has claimed—without evidence—that SSRIs contribute to school shootings.
- US to take steps to curb antidepressant prescribing, RFK Jr says The Guardian
- RFK Jr. launches plan to curb ‘overprescribing’ of psychiatric drugs CNN
- Kennedy Starts a Push to Help Americans Quit Antidepressants The New York Times
- RFK Jr. unveils campaign for ‘deprescribing’ antidepressants The Hill
- HHS Launches MAHA Action Plan to Curb Psychiatric Overprescribing HHS.gov
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