A look at Georgia mental health statistics shows that the state has a great need for treatment options for mental health disorders. Every resident of the Peach State deserves to have access to a variety of types of care in order to manage and even cure challenges they have to maintain good mental health. While the statistics indicate a high need for help, the good news is that programs exist that help people address conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and more.
A Look at Georgia Mental Health Statistics
Mental Health America published a report called “2021: The State of Mental Health in America” that explored how each state fares when it comes to mental health disorders. In one section about access to care rankings, Georgia came in dead last. Factors that make up this ranking include the amount of access to mental health care in the state. Additionally, it considers residents’ access to insurance, the quality and cost of insurance, and the availability of the workforce in the mental health field. This alarming Georgia mental health statistic includes both adults and children.
Other Georgia Mental Health Statistics Include:
- Georgia ranked 36th overall in terms of mental healthcare in 2020 and dropped down to 37th in 2021.
- Just over 1.4 million Georgians suffer from at least one mental illness. This represents approximately 18% of the population.
- 314,000 adults have serious thoughts of suicide.
- The number of youth with at least one major depressive episode per year is about 108,000.
- Approximately 888,000 adults with any mental illness did not receive treatment for them.
- 255,000 adults with any mental illness are uninsured.
- Approximately 526,000 Georgians have a substance use disorder. This represents about 6.7% of the population. Many people struggle with both mental illness and addiction to drugs or alcohol.
The Pandemic’s Effect on Mental Health
COVID-19 has taken an additional toll on the mental health of Americans of all ages. Data from January to September 2020 shows that people taking tests to screen for anxiety rose by 93%, while those testing for depression increased by 62% over the previous year. In testing for both anxiety and depression, over 80% showed moderate to severe symptoms of these conditions.
Since the pandemic, a higher number of people report thoughts of suicide and self-harm. Rates of suicide ideation are highest among youth; in particular, the LGBTQ+ community. While COVID-19 seems to be slowing down, the fact remains that many people have unresolved mental health disorders that came before the pandemic or as a result of it.
Types of Mental Health Treatment
Often when someone knows they need help addressing a mental health disorder, they don’t know what methods of treatment will help. Fortunately, several treatment options are available. The first step involves getting a proper and full diagnosis. This allows the individual and the clinicians treating them to understand the full scope of what’s going on. From there, they can decide on a course of treatment.
Some people require residential treatment, which means they move into a facility for several weeks or months at a time to receive round-the-clock care. For others, outpatient care works best. It can be used as a follow-up after completing residential care or in place of going into a residential facility. Outpatient care involves a variety of options that help address mental health disorders. Often using more than one type of therapy helps the individual make the most progress. Types of outpatient therapy offered at New View Wellness include:
- Psychotherapy: The backbone of therapy involves one-on-one sessions in which a person can open up about their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Psychiatry + Med Management: Similar to psychotherapy, this includes prescribing any needed medications. The use of them will be monitored by the psychiatrist.
- Family Therapy: When the entire family joins together, relationships can be healed that involve everyone.
- ACT Therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people acknowledge and accept distressing thoughts and feelings without overreacting or acting impulsively.
- DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches people to identify and replace unhealthy negative thoughts and behavior patterns.
Does Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment in Atlanta, GA?
Many people have a common misconception that insurance only covers physical health conditions. Actually, mental health treatment is often covered in many forms by insurance companies. A look at Georgia mental health statistics shows how great the need is for effective, evidence-based programs to be available for those in need. Treatment can include residential, outpatient, individual therapy, family therapy, medication, and more.
Someone needing mental health treatment should start by contacting their insurance company. The company representative will be able to explain what their policy covers and any co-payment that may be necessary on the part of the client.
Start Mental Health Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Are you tired of trying to handle poor mental health on your own or have you found the help you’ve sought in the past does not work well? New View Wellness in Georgia understands that Georgia mental health statistics point out just how necessary it is for residents to have access to world-class treatment. We provide multiple therapy options as part of our outpatient program. We work with you to help you better manage your mental health and enjoy a happier life.
Contact us today and find out how our program works and what it can do for you. Our friendly admissions staff is ready to help you change your life.