An amazing number of people are tackling substance use and mental health challenges.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the number of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders nearly tripled during the pandemic, rising from 11.0% in 2019 to 31.6% in the fall of 2021. .. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on May 11 that deaths from drug overdose increased by 15% in 2021 to nearly 108,000.
The new data released today reveals another alarming fact. According to a national survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults conducted online by The, 43% of U.S. adults who stated that they needed substance use or mental health care in the last 12 months had not received that care. .. Harris Paul on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
So why aren’t we trying harder to help people overcome their substance use and mental health challenges? I’m keeping Mental Health Month during May, so I have to work harder to answer that question.
According to data from a new report, 43% of U.S. adults who stated that they needed substance use or mental health care in the last 12 months did not receive that care, but did not need it because they needed primary care. Only 21% of people have access to the 2022 Care Survey.
Health is not possible without mental health, so access barriers need to be removed.
The majority of adults in the United States who needed care said it was difficult to get, including those who received care. For the past 12 months, cost-related issues (uninsured, out-of-pocket costs, 31% and 37%, respectively) have been the main barriers to access for those who have not met their needs for substance use and mental health challenges. , Not able to find a provider in a convenient location (22% and 28% respectively) and make an immediate appointment when care is needed (31% and 25% respectively).
People who have received substance use or mental health care in the last 12 months have also mentioned the difficulty of receiving that care.
- Eighty-one percent of US adults who received substance use care had difficulty receiving care.
- 67% of US adults who received mental health care had a hard time getting care.
According to a survey, nearly three in five adults in the United States are easier (59%) and faster (59%) to use substances and receive mental health care at their own expense than to take out insurance. ) I think. In addition, 71% of US adults are more likely to receive substance use or mental health care if they can receive substance use or mental health care through a primary care doctor as needed. 67% find finding a mental health care provider more difficult than finding one. Physical healthcare provider.
So what can we do? Our will to fix these problems and help people find the care they need and deserve must be stronger than the challenges we face. Without access to the service, you cannot be mentally energetic and prosperous.
Due to the lack of mental health and substance use specialists, it is difficult for the industry to meet the need for treatment in communities across the country. The community needs more substance use and mental health professionals. The lack of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers, case managers, etc. limits their ability to provide care.
After passing the Bipartisan Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 828 / HR 432), marriages, family therapists and mental health counselors can receive a refund of service from Medicare. After passing the promotion of effective and empowering recovery services (PEERS) under the Medicare Act (S. 2144 / HR 2767), peer support specialists will be able to participate in the provision of integrated mental health services. ..
You can also permanently remove the restrictions on telemedicine. During the pandemic, many organizations are rapidly transitioning from face-to-face services to telemedicine and technology-assisted services, and the increasing use of this technology is expected to continue.
By passing the Excellence Act (S. 2069 / HR 4323), you can continue to invest in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). CCBHC integrates with primary care, provides a variety of services and support coordinated with other social service providers, reduces latency, expands the state’s ability to deal with overdose crises, and enforces law. Establish innovative partnerships with institutions, schools and hospitals to improve care. Reduce recidivism and prevent readmissions.
Finally, stigma represents an important barrier. We must overcome the fears and discrimination that often prevent people from seeking treatment. Recognizing the need for treatment provides the hope that prosperous mental well-being is within reach, regardless of mental health or substance use challenges.
Opportunities to achieve health and well-being flee many people. However, there are many opportunities to improve the care of people with substance use and mental health problems. Take advantage of this opportunity while observing Mental Health Month.
Our spiritual well-being depends on it.
Chuck Ingoglia, National Council for Mental Health..
..
