Mental Health In America

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Many first symptoms of mental illness are often recognized when the individual is a child or young adult. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, one of the nations leading mental health organizations, “Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. 1 in 5 live with a mental health condition.” Mental health problems in young people can lead to tragic consequences, including suicide, substance abuse, inability to live independently, involvement with the correctional system, failure to complete high school, lack of vocational success, and health problems. The U.S. needs greater funding for mental health services considering the recent cut in state mental health budgets, the lack of access to affordable mental healthcare …show more content…
Americans are not receiving the necessary treatments for mental health issues. The lack of access Americans have to treatment is a serious problem. USA Today says, “We need greater equality so that everyone has access to the care they need.” Mental Health America released its annual State of Mental Health in America. Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community based non-profit dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. This report provides an overall view of mental health status among young people and adults. One reason this report is conducted is to track changes in prevalence of mental health issues and access to mental health care. In their report MHA says, “Among our most severely depressed youth, only 22 percent are receiving adequate treatment for their mental health problems.” Mental Health America found that even when individuals are insured they face barriers such as “inability to pay for treatment, difficulty using or accessing the mental health benefits offered by insurance, and lack of available services.” Insurance does not guarantee access to treatment. MHA found, “One in five adults with a disability report difficulty getting care due to costs.” Without insurance, many young adults are not able to cover the expenses on their own. “Even as the population suffering from mental illness grows, …show more content…
Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations are used to identify areas and population groups within the United States that are experiencing a shortage of health professionals. There are three categories: primary medical care, dental or mental health providers. “There are currently approximately 4,000 Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas” (HRSA). Mental Health HPSA’s are based on a psychiatrist to population ratio. HRSA states, “When there are 30,000 or more people per psychiatrist, an area is eligible to be designated as a mental health HPSA.” This means to fill the psychiatrist to population gap, it would take “approximately 2,800 additional psychiatrists to eliminate the current mental health HPSA designations” (HRSA). USA Today claims, “We must increase the number of mental health professionals across the
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