The Big Picture: The shortage of mental health providers continues to escalate, leaving millions without access to necessary care. As demand for mental health services rises, exacerbated by the pandemic, counselors and therapists face overwhelming caseloads, low pay, and burnout. The ripple effect impacts both urban and rural communities, with some areas requiring hundreds more...

Catch up quickly: A report from Mental Health America (MHA) reveals that 23% of adults—nearly 60 million Americans—experienced mental illness in the past year. The report highlights a worsening mental health crisis in the U.S., with key issues including untreated mental illness, suicide, and substance use disorders, according to Healthcare Innovation News. The big picture:...

October 11, 2024 – Yesterday marked World Mental Health Day 2024, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and advocating for accessible care. This year’s theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”, highlighted the urgent need for equitable mental health services for everyone, regardless of their location, background, or socioeconomic status....

Catch up quickly: A MarketWatch survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that financial stress is at an all-time high in 2024. With rising costs for essential goods, 65% of respondents say their finances are their biggest source of stress, according to a MarketWatch report. The big picture: Nearly 47% say 2024 has been the most financially...

Catch up quickly: Ohio has started construction on a new behavioral health urgent care and crisis stabilization unit in St. Clairsville, serving Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe counties. It’s part of a $90 million initiative by Governor Mike DeWine to enhance mental health services statewide, according to WTRF 7 News. The big picture: This facility, the...

Catch up quickly: Ohio is launching the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program to address the growing need for mental health professionals. The program offers up to $20,000 in grant funding to recent graduates who commit to working for at least one year at one of Ohio’s Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), according to...

Catch up quickly: The AHA’s Behavioral Health Team and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity released an infographic on mental health challenges faced by minority populations and outlined actionable steps hospitals can take to support these communities, according to the American Hospital Association. The big picture: Mental health disparities among Black, Latino, and Asian...

Catch up quickly: The Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET) and Veterans Response Teams (VRT) are innovative programs designed to prevent Veteran incarceration and involuntary hospitalization during mental health crises, offering critical support and intervention, according to a Veterans Administration News report. The big picture: VMET and VRT collaborate with local law enforcement to connect Veterans...

The big picture: Mental health issues in Ohio’s youth have spiked post-pandemic. Kids are facing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, with social media, loss of structure, and pandemic-related trauma amplifying the crisis, according to the Dayton Daily News. By the numbers: 37% of Ohio’s youth report feeling sad or hopeless, a 10%...

Catch up quickly: September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the rising suicide rates demand urgent attention. Suicide rates increased 36% from 2000–2022, claiming 49,476 lives last year—roughly one death every 11 minutes, according to Blue Cross California.   The big picture: With mental health challenges escalating, particularly among young people, it’s essential to foster a...