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Mental Health Statistics and Care Resources in Corpus Christi, Texas
Located on the coast of south Texas, Corpus Christi is the eighth most populous city in the state. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates its 2017 population at 325,605 residents, a 6.7% increase over the population size in 2010. Corpus Christi is the county seat for Nueces County, however the city boundaries also encompass portions of Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties.
According to the Census Bureau statistics, Corpus Christi trails behind the state and national averages in several socioeconomic categories relevant to the state of mental health and access to care for its residents. The annual per capita income in Corpus Christi is $26,109, which is lower than the $27,828 average for the state and almost $30,000 average for the United States. Additionally, a higher percentage of Corpus Christi’s population lives below the poverty line (16.6%) as compared to the average for Texas (15.6%) and the entire country (12.3%).
Mental Health Challenges in Corpus Christi, Texas
In the 2018 State of Mental Health in America report, MHA estimates that around 40 million Americans (or 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.) suffer from some form of mental health or behavioral disorder. Many of these individuals however are unable to receive the necessary care due to various reasons, such as lack of income or insurance, or even shortage of mental health care providers in the area. The percentage of uninsured residents in Corpus Christi for example is almost 21%, which is slightly higher than the state average of 18.6%. That number however is twice as high as the average for the United States (10.2%).
Additionally, the 2016 Coastal Bend Health Needs Assessment released by Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi reports that mental health issues are on the rise in this community. According to their survey results, 52% of the respondents stated that they’ve had episodes of poor mental health in the past 30 days, a staggering increase from 27% in 2013. When cross-referenced with socioeconomic factors such as income, the survey found that individuals with incomes less the $50,000 had on average a higher number of poor mental health days than those making over $50,000.
Another factor creating a challenge is the shortage of mental health care providers in Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, while Nueces County has 202 licensed chemical dependency counselors and 344 licensed professional counselors, there are only 22 psychiatrists and 91 psychologists.
Available Mental Health Care Resources in Corpus Christi, Texas
Reaching out for help with emotional or mental health issues is especially difficult when there are limited options in the community. Some of the organizations in the area offering mental health services include the Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, NAMI Greater Corpus Christi, and Coastal Plains Community Center.
Also referred to as Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County, the Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities assists individuals of all ages suffering from mental and intellectual disabilities. The services facilitated by the center at various locations include assessment and referrals, rehabilitation and behavioral therapy, medication management, skills training, employment assistance and crisis hotlines.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI Greater Corpus Christi is an affiliate of NAMI Texas, a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education and support to individuals and families affected by mental illnesses. NAMI Texas offers a variety of programs including peer and family support groups, seminars and speaker series, and research studies.
The Coastal Plains Community Center is another local organization providing support to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The center’s services are designed to empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible in the community. The organization also caters to residents with mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Coastal Plains has a crisis hotline open to any resident who may need help or care with an emotional or behavioral issue.
Selecting a Mental Health Care Professional in Corpus Christi, Texas
Additional mental health professionals and organizations in Corpus Christi can be found in our directory. We strive to list only the most reputable providers as our mission is to help community members find the right professional for themselves or a loved one struggling with mental illness, disability or substance abuse.
When evaluating providers, consider their area of specialization, their reputation in the community, feedback from other patients, and other factors such as availability of appointments, convenience of location, office hours, and insurance acceptance.
