How many people are receiving mental health treatment in North Carolina

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Mental health treatment access varies widely across the U.S., with over 5 million adults receiving care at state-monitored facilities in 2022, according to a Department of Health and Human Services report.

Despite an overall increase, access to treatment heavily depends on where one lives and their insurance coverage.

A significant disparity exists between states. In North Carolina, for example, only 8 out of every 1,000 residents received mental health treatment last year, totaling 89,156 people.

This figure represents just 1.8% of all Americans in treatment, highlighting the uneven distribution of care across the country.

Rural states often see higher rates of treatment, driven by isolation, economic challenges, and stigma surrounding mental health. Iowa, with its large rural population, faces a severe shortage of psychiatric beds, offering only 2 beds per 100,000 residents despite having 473,000 people with mental health conditions.

State mental health systems vary significantly in their approach. For instance, Wisconsin regulates private facilities and practitioners, while Connecticut focuses only on intermediate treatment facilities. This inconsistency contributes to the uneven quality of care nationwide.

As the mental health crisis deepens, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, states like Montana are taking action. Last year, Montana allocated $300 million to enhance behavioral health services, including case management improvements, service expansion, and workforce retention.

Addressing mental health care disparities is crucial, and both state and federal efforts are essential in expanding access to treatment nationwide.