Fort Wayne, Indiana Therapists

Overview of Mental Health Resources in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The northeastern Indiana city of Fort Wayne is best known for its vibrant art scene. Fort Wayne is home to several famous museums and conservatories, like the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The city is also riddled with beautiful 18^th-century historical architecture that captures the attention of anyone passing by. Fort Wayne is rather large, compared to its neighboring cities. More than 264,000 people live within the city limits, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, as that number continues to increase at an exponential rate, Fort Wayne remains one of Indiana’s most populous cities.

However, there is a growing mental health concern, both in Fort Wayne and in the state of Indiana as a whole. Fort Wayne residents are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than the average American. These illnesses can range in severity and can refer to anything from clinical depression and eating disorders to schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Let’s take a look at the mental health situation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and go over how to seek out a suitable therapist if you need help.

Experts in the area are largely referring to the poor mental health rate in the area as a crisis; and, rightfully so. The mental health situation in Fort Wayne, Indiana is worsening by the day. As of 2017, the state of Indiana was ranked in the top ten percent of states regarding the prevalence of mental illness. Indiana has held onto that poor rating for years now. So, what is the cause of Fort Wayne’s deteriorating state of mental health? Unfortunately, there are a variety of factors actively contributing to the problem. These include a high county crime rate, economic instability, and homelessness.

Fort Wayne has a troubling crime problem; specifically, violent crime. The city’s rate of murder, for example, is more than triple that of the national average, as per the most recent statistics provided by the FBI. Additionally, the overall crime rate in Fort Wayne is 34% higher than the rest of the nation and is increasing by drastic amounts every year. Unfortunately, there is a notable link between areas with high crime rates and areas with poor mental health. There’s no doubt that Fort Wayne’s rampant crime predicament is fueling the state-wide mental health crisis in a significant way.

The economic instability being experienced by Fort Wayne residents is also a major contributing factor to the city’s poor rate of mental health. The per capita income in the area is more than five thousand dollars less than the national average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This, coupled with the relatively high rate of unemployment in Fort Wayne, creates a point of concern. Impoverished Americans are far more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), those living below the poverty line are roughly two times more likely to be diagnosed with a severe mental illness. Researchers at SAMHSA theorize that impoverished people are less likely to receive treatment because of high healthcare costs and are victims of “poor general health.”

Another alarming concern in Fort Wayne is the rate of homelessness. Though the number of chronically homeless individuals in the city is gradually decreasing, the rate of those living on the streets is still much higher than the national average. According to a report commissioned by the National Coalition for the Homeless, an estimated 25% of the homeless population in America suffers from a severe mental illness. Homeless individuals are part of an extremely vulnerable demographic, and many will not receive the treatment they require. This vicious cycle exacerbates the problem of chronic homelessness.

Another demographic that’s vulnerable to mental health problems is people involved in divorce. The separation of spouses is one of the primary reasons people end up homeless. Unfortunately, the state of Indiana has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. If you feel as though your relationship is in jeopardy, it’s recommended you seek counseling to hopefully rectify the situation. It’s important to consider the mental health of everyone involved.

 The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Accessibility to proper mental health treatment is not one of Fort Wayne’s strong suites. More than 60% of adolescents in Indiana who suffer from depressive episodes will not receive any form of treatment. Experts believe stigma and poorly crafted policies are to blame. Thankfully, the local government has acknowledged this flaw and is taking steps to educate the public and reduce stigma.

However, that doesn’t stop the negative impacts brought on by bad policy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a whopping 15.2% of Fort Wayne residents are without health insurance. That’s pointedly higher than the national average uninsured rate of 8.8%. As the cost of insurance premiums continues to skyrocket, the people of Indiana continue to suffer from a lack of health care.

Before entering therapy, many people don’t know what to expect. It’s a good practice to create reasonable goals that you wish to achieve through your time in therapy. Find out what problems you’re dealing with, and how therapy might benefit you.

Mental Health Resources in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Despite the poor rate of treatment, Fort Wayne is home to a bevy of institutions that offer services to those in need. Multiple clinics in the area specialize in treating mental health problems, such as the Center for Behavioral Health. General hospitals, like Dupont Hospital, also offer a variety of mental health services to Fort Wayne residents.