Barriers to mental health treatment and/or substance use care exist for 43% of U.S. adults today. Lack of access to care is perpetuating further problems at work and at home, according to a new study.
Of the 43% of participants unable to access mental health or substance use services, 42% said they needed and unsuccessfully pursued mental health care and 24% said they needed substance use care.. Among those who received substance use care, 81% reported trouble accessing care. Among those who received mental health care, 67% reported trouble accessing care but eventually met with a provider.
“Recruiting more mental health and substance use professionals must be a top priority – and that workforce must reflect the rich diversity of our nation,” wrote Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “We won’t be able to increase access to care or meet the historic demand for mental health and substance use care with an inadequate number of people employed to provide treatment.