Austin, Texas Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Austin, Texas

Austin, the bustling state capital of Texas, is home to roughly one million residents, dwarfing other major cities in terms of population. Denver and San Francisco, for example, have hundreds of thousands fewer people living within city limits. For Austin, Texas, the rising population trend is continuing at full force. Unfortunately, this influx of citizens, in turn, means a surge in mental health issues. Approximately 20 percent of Austin residents suffer from poor mental health. As dictated by psychologists, these illnesses can include anything from anxiety disorders and depression to alcohol and substance abuse. And, making matters worse, many people face difficulties when trying to find a good therapist. Let’s break down the reasons behind Austin’s rising mental health issue rate and explain how to get in contact with a therapist.

As mentioned previously, Austin’s rate of poor mental health sits at 20 percent. That number is above the national average, of 18.5 percent, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Besides a wave of new inhabitants contributing to unemployment, what else can we attribute to Austin, Texas’s above-average mental health issue rate? Though the city’s economy is currently strong, bolstering a 2.9 percent unemployment rate according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, poverty and homelessness continue to leave a stain on the city’s social structure. The homeless population in Austin is significantly increasing, as explained by city-data. 2,147 people were identified as homeless.

Homelessness is a major contributing factor to mental health, for the worse. More than one-quarter of the homeless population suffers from a severe mental illness, and, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless, mental illness is considered to be one of the top three causes of homelessness in a chunk of cities. All require treatment, but few receive it. The origins of Austin’s rise in homelessness are many. Experts blame it on a bevy of problematic policies, such as the apparent lack of funding for helping those living on the streets.

Another factor heavily influencing the number of people suffering from mental health problems in Austin is the fairly high rate of divorce. According to the Census Bureau, Texas marriages are more likely to end in divorce than the average American couple partly because Texans tend to marry younger and more prolifically.

Spousal separations are notorious for fostering mental health issues not just for the two involved, but possibly their children as well. For many, divorce induces massive amounts of stress, sometimes said to be unbearable. This coupled with comorbid symptoms like having a challenging time falling asleep and physical problems have a high likelihood of negatively impacting both spouse’s mental health. For those feeling the emotional tax of divorce, therapy is strongly recommended. If you suspect a loved one, like a child, is suffering from the stress of the situation, strongly consider seeking the help of a mental health professional for them, too.

Of course, the best remedy to divorce and its subsequent health-related troubles is avoidance. Couples who feel their relationship is in jeopardy should strongly recognize the importance of regularly attending couple’s counseling before the final decision of permanent separation, to prevent it and encourage reconciliation.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Austin, Texas

Oftentimes, people facing mental health crises find choosing a therapist they are comfortable with to be an overwhelming process. However, it doesn’t have to be. Before you find a fitting therapist to assist you, it’s best to set goals you hope to achieve during your time in counseling. Seek out the reasons why you’re attending therapy sessions; and the problems you want to resolve.

In Austin, people frequently face adversities when looking for mental health help. One difficulty to note is health insurance. Your counselor of choice may not accept appointments from patients using your health insurance provider. In circumstances like this, you must make contact with your insurer to narrow down which professionals are available to you in your area.

Another challenge the inhabitants of this large Texas city face relates to the economics of where they live. Sadly, the cost of living in Austin is a whopping 18 percent higher than the Texas average, and seven points higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

Mental Health Resources in Austin, Texas

Currently, several renowned institutions are offering mental health services to those in and around Austin, Texas. These include the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Texas Health and Human Services Department