Mental Health Care: Extension of Primary Care
Research has shown that Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States experienced a mental health condition or substance use disorder in the past year. Since the start of the pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression amongst adolescents has drastically increased. Sadly, adolescent suicide has risen 29% over the past 10 years. There are many known ways to help increase good physical health, such as physical activity, exercise, etc., but not enough known ones that improve mental and emotional health.
The core problem here is that so many people do not have access to the proper care that they need. There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals, and only a little more than 50% of psychiatrists accept commercial insurance.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
1. Integrate Mental Health Care as an Extension of Primary Care: Have a part-time mental health clinician available as a member of all individual's treatment teams.
2. Take Preventative Measures: Often folks are not connected to mental health providers until they're experiencing a crisis, and by then, it could be too late. Universal screening for mental health conditions within pediatric and primary care settings would be beneficial, as well as offering early intervention programs in school systems.
3. Address Barriers to Mental Health Care: Provide comprehensive training to professionals so they can do brief therapy sessions in fast-paced medical settings. Mental health clinicians must be supported by the larger health care system in order for this to work.
4. Prioritize Mental Health! Mental health should be treated with the same urgency and levels of resources as physical health conditions. Preventative measures are essential to avoid crisis.
Curious what's happening in NY schools? You can read more here.
Resource of the Month: PLENTIFUL
Plentiful is a FREE app that helps you when food access is limited or uncertain. Download Plentiful on IOS or Android or TEXT "FOOD" to PANTRY (726-879) from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Plentiful will help you find a local food pantry based on location, amenities, or service times. You can even make a reservation to pick up food so you do not have to wait in line.
- Created by the NYC Food Assistance Collaborative to improve dignity and efficiency in food places.
- Plentiful was founded by City Harvest, United Way of New York City, NYC Human Resources Administration, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, and the New York State Health Department.
- Technology platforms cut pantry wait times (no lines!) with reservation systems, connect people to food providers nearby, and get people the kind of food they want.
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Learn more