US Mental Health Crisis: Access & Affordability

Highlighting issues in the U.S mental health care from a personal account

Photo byThought CatalogonUnsplash

A recent report shows that the United States was 'underperforming' in healthcare in comparison to 10 different countries. The report highlighted what many Americans already know and face every day.

Many Americans face mental health issues. In fact, almost half of all Americans will experience a behavioral health problem, such as a mood disorder or a drug use issue.

But in what ways are the U.S. healthcare system lacking in terms of mental health care? Let's explore that together!

Healthcare costs

It's no secret that healthcare costs in general are expensive in the United States. In fact, the biggest obstacles to getting and affording health care are faced by Americans.

From regular visits with a psychiatrist to weekly therapy sessions to medication management, it can all be expensive. If someone doesn't have health insurance but needs mental health care, they are left to foot the bill entirely.

Barriers to access to providers

Getting timely and sufficient mental health care in the US is a struggle that many people, including myself, are all too familiar with. Behavioral health care providers are sparse or nonexistent in many rural locations and economically disadvantaged cities.

Even for those who are able to see a provider, there are usually long wait times before their first visit.

Those receiving government health care aid also have particular difficulties as well, due in significant part to Medicaid's and Medicare's very low reimbursement rates, those covered by both programs have difficulty finding physicians that take their insurance.

No insurance? Good luck

I was left without insurance for a few years, and I struggled to afford being able to see my psychiatrist. My appointments had to be paid completely out of pocket.

Given that insurance reimbursement is complicated and providers are concentrated in wealthy and urban regions, those with greater incomes who can pay out of pocket frequently have better access to licensed physicians.

Since I could barely afford my medication management appointments and medications, any other healthcare was out of the question. Unless I had the money to pay a private insurance company or pay out of pocket, I was stuck.

What this all means

There needs to be a change in the U.S. healthcare system as a whole. Those in need of mental health care face significant obstacles due to limited access to care and financial limitations.

My experience shared in this article is not unique; I am simply one of many others who have faced barriers in mental health care.

Suggested Readings

Understanding ADHD and Anxiety: Exploring the Troubling Connection

The Hidden Struggle: Living with Mental Health Disorders

Unmasking Emotional Abuse: Recognizing the Signs

The Impact of Isolation: Hidden Mental Health Consequences

Understanding Mental Health: Breaking Down Baseline and Stability

Exploring Emotional Control: What You Need to Know

Author's Note: Hey! Thanks so much for reading. This is definitely a different story than what I am used to posting. So, if you liked this story leave a like, comment, and a follow! See you next time :)

Stay Connected With This Author: That Psych Nerd | Linktree

Download the NewsBreak app to read That Psych Nerd on the go (mobile users only)