Fort Worth, Texas Therapists

Guide to Finding Mental Health Professionals in Fort Worth, Texas

The massive city of Fort Worth has recently become the 15th largest city in the country, as per the latest census. With a population just shy of one million residents, Fort Worth is always swarming with activity. However, the ability to boast about being a large city often comes at a price. Soaring population rates amongst a bevy of other circumstances, including unemployment and a low frequency of high school graduations, have negatively impacted the citizenry’s mental health. Fort Worth is a part of Tarrant County. According to an official county statement, statement, “The number of cases filed each year has increased at the rate of approximately 10 percent per year since 2010,” about involuntary mental health commitment. The problem of an increasingly poor mental health rate is exacerbated by policies established by local and federal governments.

An Overview of Mental Health in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is experiencing what many experts dub a “mental health crisis.” The prevalence of mental illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia has proven to be detrimental to the social structure of the city. But, what besides a sharp, steady rise in population is contributing to this dilemma? According to Fort Worth’s school district as well as the Texas Education Agency, the city’s high school graduation rate fell notably below the state average of 85.9 percent.

The city’s sub-par high school graduation rate is likely severely affecting people’s mental health. Poor mental health and the act of dropping out of high school have a relationship that goes both ways; the presence of mental illness in students increases the dropout rate while dropping out increases the likelihood of mental health issues appearing, according to researchers in Canada. “Older teens living with depression are twice as likely to drop out of high school than their peers without depression.”

The lack of high school graduates also puts a strain on Fort Worth’s economy. While the city is fortunate enough to have an unemployment rate of 4 percent, which is the same as the national average, it’s undeniable that poverty, homelessness, and destitution rear their ugly heads all too often. All curses concerning mental health, statistically speaking. In Tarrant County, homelessness is on the rise. Unfortunately for those who fall victim to being without a home, there is a high chance of developing or worsening a mental illness relating to abuse. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 38 percent of those living on the streets are addicted to alcohol with 26 percent abusing different substances.

Also behind homelessness and an influx of poor mental health is Fort Worth’s high rate of divorce. In fact, according to a Tarrant County study, almost 20 percent of those homeless reached that state because of a divorce/separation. In terms of remedy, many times it’s best to avoid divorce, a high-contributing factor to someone’s mental health. For those experiencing a stressed relationship where separation is anticipated, it’s advisable to investigate counseling, both in couples and single format.

In the case of Fort Worth, the county has predicted that the city’s veteran population also contributes to the poor mental health rate. According to Tarrant County, Fort Worth’s veteran population sits at roughly 118,000, with more than 22 percent living with a disability of some form.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Fort Worth, Texas

Undoubtedly, the city of Fort Worth is suffering from a substance abuse problem, like much of America, indicative of its rising homeless population. According to statistics presented by the state of Texas, it was revealed that “only 10% of the 134,000 county residents who need treatment for substance use disorder will receive it.” This astonishingly low number is caused by many things, including a lack of effective treatment processes provided by the local government.

While the Affordable Care Act has slightly improved Fort Worth’s health insurance enrollment rate, the issue of health care persists in the area. 20 percent of the Fort Worth population is without health insurance.

The state of also Texas is experiencing a massive shortage of therapists and other mental health professionals alike, prompting improvement plans. Until then, residents are going to have to make do with what is available at the time.