Two in Three Don't Have Access to Mental Health Care Disparities Worsen in Minority and Rural Communities
Los Angeles
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September 15, 2022 05:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Consider what would happen if:
- Two in three patients with heart disease couldn't find a cardiologist?
- Two in three cancer patients couldn't find an oncologist?
- Two out of three children couldn't see a pediatrician?
Researchers found that this is already the case today: two in three people who need mental health services do not receive them.
“The lack of access is due to a growing need for services at a time when there are not enough resources for training and funding of more mental health professionals,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a non-profit multi-campus institution that has trained mental health professionals for more than 40 years.
“There is a growing disparity between the haves and have nots, when it comes to mental health care access,” she said. “If you are a person of color or live in a rural area, you are far less likely to get the care you need.”
A new report from the California Health Care Foundation shows that the Bay Area has 19 licensed psychiatrists and 73 licensed psychologists per 100,000 people –significantly more than the state averages of 12 and 44. At the other end of the spectrum, the San Joaquin Valley has six psychiatrists and 16 psychologists for the equivalent number of people.
“This is a serious situation, since we know that more than one in five Americans (adults and children) have mental health or substance abuse conditions,” said Dr. Nealon.
About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. TCSPP continues to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of international partner institutions, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is a proud affiliate of TCS, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.
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