WASHINGTON DC — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is coming together with a new effort in Washington DC to face the growing mental health crisis in this country.
The biggest concern is making sure people have access to treatment when they need it.
Lawmakers say there are many barriers that are standing in the way.
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There is a rise in the number of people across the country searching for help related to their mental health. Lawmakers are especially focusing on kids.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that 1 in 5 teens will be diagnosed with a serious mental illness.
Lawmakers are looking for new solutions with a new caucus created last week to focus on the issues.
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Mental health leaders say they’ve seen a major change in the funding they’re getting and the impact it’s having on people.
“I’ve worked in this field since 2002 as a therapist and a supervisor of multiple populations,” Steven Denny, the Director of the Mental Health Center said. “During this time, our field has experienced funding cuts, reduction of in-patient resources, and a state hospital crisis that has brought our state system to a breaking point.
Lawmakers told News Center 7′s Blair Miller that funding is becoming a real threat to the mental health treatment that is available to those who need it, and those who provide it.
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Psychiatrists have told Congress about the rising shortage of mental health workers which leads to people not getting help during times of crisis. Some have to wait weeks for an appointment.
Doctors are calling on Congress to help level the playing field.
“The field of behavioral health will not attract highly qualified and trained providers, reduce stigma, nor accommodate the growing demand until it is on equal footing with physical health and surgical care,” Dr. Warren Ng with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry said.
On top of the lack of funding, some insurance companies are starting to limit virtual visits for mental healthcare which means it can take longer for a patient to get a face-to-face appointment.
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