Limited Doctors, Unreliable Internet Mental Health Care Challenges for Americans

Limited Doctors, Unreliable Internet Mental Health Care Challenges for Americans

The Need for Mental Health Care in Underserved Areas

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Nearly one in five counties across the United States lack psychiatrists or internet service, making it difficult for around 10.5 million Americans to find mental health care, according to a new study[^1^]. These underserved counties are more likely to be in rural areas, have higher unemployment rates, and have populations that are more likely to be uninsured and lack a bachelor’s degree[^1^]. Additionally, individuals in these areas are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, making the need for mental health services even more critical in these regions[^1^].

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of telehealth, but unfortunately, the areas that need it the most have limited access to broadband coverage[^1^]. This lack of access to telehealth services has led to negative health effects in these counties, including higher overdose and suicide mortality rates[^1^]. However, there is hope for improvement as the U.S. government has taken steps to address these issues.

In July, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was passed, allocating $65 billion to expand affordable and reliable high-speed internet access across the United States[^1^]. While this investment is a good start, Dr. Hao Yu, the study’s author and associate professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the need to focus specifically on the counties that were covered in the study[^1^]. By investing in these areas with the greatest barriers to access, the government can directly target reducing drug overdose mortality and suicide rates[^1^].

Furthermore, the Biden administration has allocated $330 million in funding through the American Rescue Act to train more physicians in high-need areas[^1^]. This initiative aims to address the shortage of mental health care providers in underserved regions. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 has also worked toward increasing care in minority communities[^1^].

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Despite these efforts, there are still significant holes in access to mental health care. Dr. Victor Fornari, head of child and adolescent psychiatry at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, acknowledges that providing access to health care, including mental health care, presents challenges such as location, transportation, insurance coverage, resources, and technology[^1^]. However, telehealth has proven to be an effective solution, as it allows individuals to receive care remotely through smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi or cell service[^1^].

It is essential to continue studying the impact of these government investments on improving access to mental health care in high-need regions[^1^]. Future research should evaluate whether these initiatives, combined with increased broadband coverage and physician training programs, result in better mental health outcomes for underserved communities.

The need for mental health care extends beyond underserved regions. Mental health issues among young people have been described as “the defining public health crisis of our time” by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy[^1^]. This crisis is exacerbated by the negative effects of social media on adolescents. For adults, statistics reveal alarming figures: one in eight individuals is on antidepressants, one in five has recently received some form of mental health care, almost one-third report symptoms of anxiety and depression, and one in 25 has a serious mental illness[^1^]. Additionally, a significant number of American adults suffer or have suffered from opioid use disorder, and feelings of loneliness affect one in two individuals[^1^].

In the face of these challenges, there are useful tactics that can help improve mental health. Connecting with others, practicing gratitude, taking care of physical health, and engaging in meditation can have a positive impact on mental well-being[^1^]. While these strategies may not replace professional mental health care, they can serve as supplements to support overall well-being.

In conclusion, the lack of access to mental health care in underserved areas is a significant problem in the United States. Efforts to address this issue include expanding high-speed internet access and training more physicians in high-need regions. Telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool, bridging the gap between patients and mental health care providers. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all individuals have equal access to mental health support. By investing in these underserved areas, the government can make a significant impact in reducing drug overdose mortality and suicide rates. Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it is crucial that everyone has access to the care they need.

Sources: [^1^] Hao Yu, PhD, associate professor of health care policy, department of population medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston; Victor Fornari, MD, chief, child and adolescent psychiatry, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Glen Oaks, N.Y., and professor, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Uniondale, N.Y.; JAMA Network Open, Sept. 14, 2023, online.