Stigmas surrounding mental illnesses and treatments such as therapy or medication have reduced significantly due to vulnerable conversations and broader normalization. However, hurdling over the stigma of medication is no longer the challenge – access is.
Adolescents and young adults are typically discussing mental health concerns with a pediatrician, who have limited knowledge and prescribing capabilities surrounding mental illnesses. Some cases that cannot be written off with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, are referred to a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists, especially in rural areas, are limited. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration reported that the psychiatry workforce is expected to decrease 27% by 2030. Of the current 40,000 individuals in the field, this would significantly impact the already shorthanded field. This creates several barriers in access to proper medication and treatment.
In a similar manner to an understaffed restaurant, psychiatry offices and practices simply can’t meet the growing demand. According to a post on Klarity, a mental health blog, scheduling appointments and being on a waitlist are common when trying to meet with a psychiatrist.
“On average, you can expect to be on a waitlist for a few weeks or up to several months and even over a year in circumstances where your desired healthcare provider is in high demand,” the post says.
After triumphing past the barrier of scheduling and appointments, insurance coverage and financial abilities become pain points. Although many insurance plans have coverage for mental health care, there are associated out-of-pocket costs for visits and medications.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Those with mental disorders have substantial out-of-pocket expenditures for medical care, accounting for about 29% of mental health and substance abuse outpatient costs nationally.”
These substantial out-of-pocket costs create a gap in access. The report went on to say, “Even among the insured, costs may be a barrier to getting needed mental health care. Cost sharing may disproportionately affect people with mental illness, who have lower family incomes and are more likely to be living in poverty than those without mental illness.” In families with preexisting financial burdens, access to mental health treatment should not add an unnecessary weight.
Many mental illnesses cause struggles for affected individuals that make it more difficult to face these barriers. Talking to a stranger on the phone, admitting a need for help, finding motivation to attend appointments and dealing with disappointing results in treatments or scheduling can heighten existing issues. Barriers also deter people from continuing their search for help, which can lead to further and more severe issues.
Treatment for mental illness is crucial, and access to it should not be limited or difficult. The system is overwhelmed and needs proper funding and support to grow the industry for the sake of those experiencing barriers. This access shouldn’t be a privilege or luxury – it is a basic need for so many individuals.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
