1-in-5 people will develop a mental illness in their lifetime. Unfortunately, only 1-in-3 of those people will receive proper treatment. I work with a nonprofit (Awareness Network) dedicated to ensuring anyone in need of care receives care. As an organization, we spend a great deal of time focusing on the impacts of stigma, which remains a significant stumbling block to seeking care. We’re not the only ones. Groups are working across the country and even the globe to de-stigmatize mental health. This is critical work.
However, in 2017, we will be shifting our organization’s focus to cost. A recent report conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) found that 20% of the population lives with a mental illness but only 38% received any sort of mental health services. This figure includes any sort of mental health care, even if it was inadequate or insufficient. Why is the percentage of people who seek care so low? Cost.
Cost is the Single Biggest Problem
In SAMSHA’s study, an astounding 50% of respondents cited cost as being the most significant barrier to care. This statistic includes both insured and uninsured Americans. Out-of-pocket costs for mental health care can simply be too high for many people to afford.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that behavioral disorders (anxiety and depression) are usually very treatable, “yet only one-third of those diagnosed receive treatment. Often the cost of [therapy] and prescription drugs deters people from getting the help they need.”
The irony is that mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression can seriously interfere with employment and academics and make financial situations even more difficult.
The Washington Post has also reported that almost half of people forgo mental health treatment because of cost and even those that do receive treatment face a significant financial hurdle. “A quarter of the 15.7 million Americans who received mental health care listed themselves as the main payer for the services, according to one survey that looked at those services from 2005 to 2009. The majority of those who did seek outpatient treatment had out-of-pocket costs between $100 and $5,000.”
The Situation is Getting Worse
Unfortunately, mental health care is often treated less seriously than other health care needs. During the great recession, states started tightening their belts by cutting mental health care services. In fact, following the recession, billions of dollars have been taken away from state mental health care services.
Not only are state-funded mental health care budgets being slashed, but private care is also becoming harder to find. The number of providers nationwide has actually decreased in recent years. Not only that, but many private providers are either completely booked up or won’t take insurance. Out-of-pocket costs are simply going up.
As prices rise and coverage shrinks, many people living with anxiety and depression may be even less likely to seek and receive appropriate care.
A Renewed Focus
In 2017, the Awareness Network, which is based in Helena, Montana, will begin covering out-of-pocket costs for any local youth seeking care, but deterred by cost. Cost coverage is a void that needs to be filled not only in our community, but in every community. Most behavioral disorders are highly treatable if diagnosed and treated early, so let’s make sure everyone receives the care they need.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Awareness Network and our work, visit us online.