Anderson, Indiana Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Anderson, Indiana

The city of Anderson is located in the heart of Indiana and is the county seat of Madison County. It has a population of 55,037, which consists of 79 percent white, 13 percent black. 5.3 percent Hispanic, and 0.9 percent Asian residents. Anderson is known for being the origin point and headquarters of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and is home to Anderson University. There are several points of interest within the city including the Paramount Theater, Mounds State Park, the Gruenewald House, and the Anderson Center for the Arts. Anderson has a thriving downtown area full of dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities.

Socioeconomic Statistics

The cost of living in Anderson is well below the national average with an index of 70.6. The main reason for this is that the housing in the city is so inexpensive; the median home price is $59,100. Despite such a low cost of living, 25.8 percent of residents in Anderson are living in poverty. Additionally, the median household income is $34,693, which is much lower than the national median household income of $61,937.

Although minorities make up only approximately 30 percent of the total population, they experience the highest rates of poverty. While the poverty rate is 22.23 percent for white residents, it is 51.13 percent for Native Americans, 41.5 percent for Hispanics, and 34.58 percent for African Americans living in the city.

While there are many factors that go into why a person might have a mental illness, there are several studies that show a strong relationship between poverty and mental health issues. This is true for both adults and children, with some sources stating that mental disorders are twice as common among low-income groups.

Substance Abuse Statistics

Substance abuse, including smoking, drugs, and alcohol are all major concerns for Anderson. As of 2018, drug-related charges were the most prevalent crime in Madison County. In Anderson, 15.1 percent of adults claimed they drink excessively and the rate of alcohol abuse was 22.3 for every 10,000 people. The rate for all substance abuse was 18 for every 10,000 people, and the death rate for drug poisoning was 27 for every 100,000 people.

Depression and Suicide Statistics

Between the years 2014 and 2016, the rate of adults hospitalized for mental health was 82.5 for every 10,000 people, which was much higher than the state average of 57.4 for every 10,000 people. The rate of suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury was 39.5 per every 10,000 for adults and 69.3 percent for adolescents.

Divorce Statistics

The marriage rate in Anderson is 38.5 percent, with only 32.8 percent of people never being married. Overall, 19.1 percent of people living in the city are divorced and 2.3 percent are separated. The rate of divorce is higher for women at 20.9 percent than men at 17.1 percent. Asian residents have the highest rate of divorce at 37.6 percent, and Hispanics have the lowest rate at 8.4 percent. The divorce rate for white residents is at 19.4 percent.

Access to Mental Health Care in Anderson, Indiana

When surveying community health network providers in the area, those with a mental health diagnosis were indicated to the second most disadvantaged members of the community, following those who are uninsured. When asked about their top health concerns, substance abuse was the top concern for residents, and mental health was the fifth largest concern. Despite the prevalence of these issues, substance abuse services and mental health counseling and support programs were listed as some of the top unmet service needs of the area. Additionally, 15.8 percent of residents currently do not have health insurance, which can make it hard for mentally-ill individuals to afford paying for care.

Mental Health Resources in Anderson Indiana

Knowing where to turn to in a time a crisis, whether that involves suicidal thoughts or substance abuse, can save a person’s life. Additionally, many people struggle to learn what resources are available to them in their community. The following resources are a good place to start:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Anderson Police Department: 9-1-1 (Emergency); 765-648-6715 (non-emergency)
• Meridian Health Services Madison County: 765-641-7499
• Aspire Indiana Health: 1-317-574-1254
• Community Hospital Anderson – Emergency Room: 765-298-5141