Mental Health Resources in Flint, Michigan
The recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, is significant in the state of local mental health. Natural disasters cause unique mental health needs, and this holds true for Flint. Psychologists have shown concern for the mental wellbeing of local people. Many continue to experience high levels of fear and anxiety, especially parents. Two-thirds of Flint households reported that one or more adults in the house have worsening mental health since October 2015.
While the water crisis has made for unique health care needs, there are other concerns in Flint as well. Statewide, Michigan ranks fourth nationally for the number of drug-related deaths. Substance abuse rates are at a high. Opioid abuse is an enormous problem. In addition, Genesee County is one of the top counties in the state for opioid abuse. In 2011, one public drug recovery facility admitted 1,274 young people for treatment. In 2014, Genesee County saw 56 overdose deaths, a rate of 13.63 per 100,000 people. Substance abuse is strongly connected to mental illness. Drug users are more likely to be mentally ill. Mentally ill persons are more likely to abuse drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
Effects of Education, Divorce, Poverty, and Other Contributing Factors
Education rates in Flint are much lower than the national average, at only 11 percent of residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Meanwhile, 83 percent of the inhabitants are high school graduates. Education makes people much more likely to seek treatment for mental health conditions. Those who are less educated rarely seek care.
Poverty rates in Flint are extremely high. In fact, by some estimates, they are the highest in the United States. Poverty rates continued to climb up through 2016. Forty-five percent of residents live in poverty. The city also leads in child poverty, with 58 percent of those below age 18 living below the poverty line. This is enormous in comparison to the national average of 18 percent for children below the age of 18. Unemployment rates are low, at 4.3 percent. Considering local poverty rates, it can be assumed that of those employed, many do not earn a living wage.
Poverty is a significant factor in mental health crises. The poor are unlikely to seek mental health treatment. They are also more likely to suffer from related conditions, such as substance abuse.
Divorce rates in Flint are also high at 17 percent. Divorce can cause unique mental health care needs, including individual and family counseling.
On top of these factors, Flint’s water crisis has left residents anxious and stressed. This gives rise to a unique set of mental health care needs.
Mental Health Resources in Flint
There is an active push to provide care to those struggling during the water crisis. This might be because of anxiety or PTSD after losing pets or experiencing illness in the family. Many people feel frustrated and hopeless at the continuing state in Flint. The state government has developed new public programs to address these mental health needs. It sees these as an emergency response to help residents combat stress, anxiety, and depression. State Medicaid, for example, now includes more provisions for mental health care. There are also many new programs to help residents deal with trauma in a safe setting with a qualified professional.
These resources aim to address the mental health needs in response to the water crisis. However, Flint has many other mental health care facilities. The city is home to many therapists and counseling services, both public and private. On top of this, the local government provides a phone helpline that is accessible via text. Flint also has a mobile crisis unit. This service travels throughout the city and is available to residents at any time.
Many public mental health services charge fees based on patient income. This makes it possible for people to access care without suffering financially.
The Challenges of Finding Mental Health Care in Flint
Many people do not know where to start even once they know they need mental health care. It can be an overwhelming experience. Our mental health care directory makes it easy for you to compare services in your area. It is easy to find a qualified counselor in Flint. There is no need to wait on your insurance company to match you with a counselor you did not choose. Whatever your unique needs, our directory makes it possible for you to start care fast. Start with us today to find a qualified therapist in Flint, Michigan.
