Therapists in Cedar Rapids, IA and Nearby Locations

Mental Health Resources in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Every city has its unique challenges in finding a mental health caregiver, and Cedar Rapids is no different. While Iowa has been ranked as one of the happiest states for its economic environment and geographical beauty, many of its inhabitants suffer from mental illness, whether chronic or temporary.

One in five Iowans, or about 600,000 residents, live with a mental illness. Almost 37,000 struggle with a serious mental illness that significantly affects their quality of life. A little more than 21,000 Linn County residents suffer from some kind of moderate mental illness, and more than 6,600 residents suffer from a clinical disorder or persistent functional impairment. From 2012 to 2016, Linn County topped Jones, Cedar, Iowa, and Benton Counties for most poor mental health days. From 2010 to 2013, Linn County had the highest number of mental health emergency room visits. Sadly, the suicide rate in Linn County in 2016 topped the state rate. 90% of persons committing suicide have an underlying mental illness. Suicide and homicide rank among the top five causes of death for residents of Linn County who are 54 or younger.

The state of mental health in Iowa has been one of crisis for several years. In 2015, the state government closed two of four existing mental health hospitals, reducing the already small number of psychiatric beds. Iowa consistently ranks as one of the lowest states in its overall treatment of mental health, with only 1.2 psychiatric beds available per 100,000 adults. This is far below the national average of 12 beds per 100,000. About one-third of those in Iowa jails need mental health services.

The opioid crisis has also left its mark throughout Iowa. As of 2016, it is estimated that 6.2 people per 100,000 will die of an opioid overdose. Additionally, the total drug overdose rate was 10.6 people per 100,000. The drug crisis facing Iowans and all Americans is one of the top priorities for mental health caregivers.

Effects of Education, Divorce Rates, and Other Criteria

Slightly over 11% of the population of Cedar Rapids lives in poverty. Only 32% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Both poverty and a lack of education can lower the chances of people seeking treatment for mental illness.

The divorce rate in Iowa is 1.2 per thousand people as of 2015, lower than the national average of 3.2 per thousand people. Divorce can negatively impact the mental well-being of both children and adults. Often, those who are divorced or separated experience spikes in depression and anxiety. Some people turn to alcohol, drugs, or smoking as coping mechanisms. These risk factors are why it is so important for those who have gone through a separation or divorce to consider seeking help from mental health caregivers. It is also why couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage should consider individual and joint counseling.

Many people go without receiving the mental health care they need and deserve. Some are afraid to receive treatment because of stigma or out of concern for the cost, while others struggle to find an available therapist or counselor.

Mental Health Resources in Cedar Rapids

Iowa ranks 47th in the nation for the number of practicing psychiatrists, yet there are well over half a million residents who require care. Until 2016, there were only about 300 psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who could prescribe necessary psychiatric medications. That number is growing under new legislation but will take several years to come into full force. Wait times for appointments can often be long, and many caregivers are unable to take on new patients. This disparity makes it difficult for some patients to find access to a mental health care professional.