Therapists in Gresham, OR and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health Resources in Gresham, Oregon

For many, life in the city of Gresham, Oregon is as fine as northwest American living can be. According to 2017 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Gresham is home to roughly 111,000 people. That figure is climbing at a steadily impressive pace. Every decade or so, Gresham’s population increases by roughly six percent. It is not surprising to see many families flocking to the area, given its appealing characteristics.

Amenities are abundant and easy to access. If you are a fan of taking a walk or cycling instead of driving to a destination, you should be happy to know Gresham features a plethora of easily walkable neighborhoods in addition to a good number of bike lanes and a surprisingly efficient public transportation system.

Gresham is far from free of trouble, though. The primary motivation for a family’s decision to move to Gresham, Oregon is identical to most American cities. Occupational opportunities, such as a raise in salary or a new job altogether are the driving forces behind one’s choice to move domiciles. However, not everyone who is seeking employment can find work, regardless of a willingness to participate in the labor market. Those who can land a job are not guaranteed to keep it – especially with layoffs happening regularly. The economic troubles of the area are ancillary to another large, complex issue the city of Gresham is facing.

Experts are saying Gresham is going through a “mental health crisis.” Let’s go over what that means, why it is so bad in Gresham, and what you can do to get in contact with a local therapist who can help if you are in need.

Unfortunately, the effects of a poor system that deals with mental health conditions are being felt by people across the country. Chances are, you probably know someone struggling with mental health, if not yourself. An especially revealing study from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 18.1 percent of Americans experience mental illness.

Narrowing the statistics fails to yield better results. A 2017 study commissioned by Mental Health America ranks the state of Oregon almost number one regarding the prevalence of mental illness and lack of access to care. Oregon needs to see great improvement in the mental health sector. So, what is contributing to the poor state of mental health in Gresham, specifically?

First of all, Gresham’s education system needs work. As per statistics from local school districts, Gresham student test scores are on average ten percent lower than the rest of the nation’s students. Officials are criticizing the high student-to-teacher ratio many of these public schools use. What we know for sure is education plays a significant role in children’s mental health. Lower quality education statistically results in more mental illness.

Oregon is known for having a higher-than-average rate of divorce. The U.S. Census Bureau recently released a study that estimates that 12.5 percent of Oregon adults have gone through a divorce. It is no secret divorce can have a profound impact on one’s mental health. Everyone involved in the relationship, including children, becomes more susceptible to mental conditions, such as depression. If you feel your relationship is in jeopardy, it is best to seek help through counseling before making any permanent decisions.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Gresham, Oregon

A harsh reality is many Americans are finding the process of reaching out to a therapist as being troublesome. A study recently published by the National Institute of Mental Health suggests a majority of Americans who experience mental illness receive no treatment during any given year. Experts are partly blaming the alarming figure on the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals providing treatment to patients.

In the case of Gresham, specifically, people are pointing fingers at ineffective legislation, poverty and unemployment, and stigma surrounding mental health as being barriers to care. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, a resident of Gresham is almost twice as likely to lack any health insurance. Undoubtedly, a good chunk of these people who lack insurance are low-income earners. For them, the out-of-pocket expense of counseling is not economically feasible.

Mental Health Resources in Gresham, Oregon

Thankfully, attention from both state and federal entities means more money is going toward initiatives combatting mental illness. More organizations that focus on improving the community’s mental health are popping up across the state. Gresham residents, in particular, enjoy access to a good number of these places. Lifeworks Northwest is a local mental health clinic offering a bevy of services and resources to those in need. Telecare is another organization with similar offerings.