Mental Health – Where Mental Health Meets Health
Mental health is an important part of our health. If we can find a way to make sure that people get the help that they need, we can improve our lives and our society. This is why the Obama administration has made mental health a priority. In addition to providing the services that you need to get well, we need to do more to prevent people from becoming mentally ill in the first place.
Depression is most prevalent in those with tertiary (postsecondary) education
Although educational attainment has been linked to depressive symptoms, the relationship between these two variables is often disputed. Some researchers argue that education can be used as a proxy for other factors that influence mental health. For example, neuroticism is associated with depression. Higher levels of extroversion may also account for lower depressive symptoms.
In the last few years, studies have shown that higher education has positive effects on adolescent mental health. One study showed that a four-year college degree has a measurable effect on depressive symptoms. Another found that having a high school diploma had a negative effect.
Education is a powerful ally in reducing negative life events. Studies have shown that higher levels of education are associated with better health and economic security.
Prisons are the largest provider of mental health services
Jails and prisons are some of the largest providers of mental health care in the United States. Yet, these institutions are not the optimal environment for mental health treatment. Often, people with mental illnesses are subject to violence or social isolation, making it difficult to recover.
The US criminal justice system spends a tremendous amount of money and resources on providing mental health services. But there are often significant gaps in service. Providing appropriate mental health treatment in incarcerated settings is important for both individuals and the public.
A recent study found that inmates with a mental illness were in jail for longer than other inmates. It also showed that women were more likely to be diagnosed with mental disorders than men.
Telehealth-enabled therapy could improve mental health in a country where 25% of the adult population suffers from mental illness
One in five adults in the United States is suffering from some form of mental illness. However, only half of these patients are receiving treatment. The lack of treatment can have severe negative consequences for individuals and society.
Fortunately, telehealth is a solution. This type of technology allows providers to conduct clinical consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychotherapy from remote locations. It also makes it easier for them to follow up with their patients.
While telehealth has been around for decades, it has recently gained widespread traction. Health professionals see the potential in telehealth to deliver the kind of care that patients deserve.
Telehealth is especially helpful for people who need treatment in their home or in rural areas. Many rural areas don’t have access to medical resources, and telehealth can help to close the gap.
Uphold the 2008 Mental Health Parity Act
Despite the fact that the Affordable Care Act eliminated discrimination against pre-existing conditions, there are still some inequities in mental health coverage. That’s why the American Psychiatric Association (APA) continues to advocate for stronger state and federal mental health parity laws.
The federal law requires that insurance companies provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits that are no less favorable than those provided for physical health treatment. It also requires that health plans demonstrate that they comply with these requirements to the US Department of Labor. However, many of these requirements have yet to be met.
According to the APA, some health plans have not followed more complex aspects of the law. For example, some have attempted to use mandatory arbitration provisions to deny care to consumers who want to challenge coverage denials. Similarly, some have been accused of violating state parity laws.
Rethink Mental Health Incorporated
Rethink Mental Health Incorporated is a non-profit mental health advocacy outfit based in Nevada’s Boulder City. This organization is the brainchild of a young woman who had a difficult time with her own mental health. The brainchild is a no-frills operation devoted to providing free information, counseling and therapy to the mentally ill. It’s not just women and children who need help; the organization also works with seniors. A recent fiscal year (July 2017 to June 2018) report states that the nonprofit had a grand total of $5,789 in revenue, and no employees. For a small nonprofit, this equates to an impressive return on investment. The company has a robust online presence as well, with an interactive website that is as much fun to visit as it is to read.
