Another recent poll from KFF and CNN confirmed that nine out of ten Americans believe we have a mental health crisis. But what, exactly, does that mean?
For most of us, it means that we can’t get the care we need for the anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues we’re now (at least slightly) more willing to acknowledge we/our families/our friends have. We know even those of us with insurance for our bodies seem to fight endless battles to get care for our minds.
So how do we begin to address the crisis?
My colleagues and I at the AAMC Research and Action Institute have put together a new issue brief that explores:
- The magnitude of the mental health workforce shortage;
- The false promise of parity from insurers; and
- The barriers to integrating care for our minds along with our bodies.
(well, except for our teeth and eyes—that’s a whole other issue)
Above all, how can we begin to get our friends, families, and ourselves the mental health care we need?
Thanks as always for your time and feedback.
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