Greenwood, Indiana Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Greenwood, Indiana

Greenwood, Indiana, prides itself on being a great place to raise a family. Biking on the trail system, touring the aquatic center, and enjoying one of the many fantastic restaurants are just a few of the activities parents and children can do together. As a bonus, Greenwood maintains a small-town feel, even with Indianapolis just 15 minutes away. If you’re in the mood for professional sports, a major concert, or a world-class zoo, you don’t have to travel far. When you add in the presence of high-performing public schools, colleges, and universities, you get a community that’s tailor-made for raising a family.

Greenwood, Indiana by the Numbers

As of July 1, 2017, Greenwood had 57,375 residents. The population was predominantly White (86.2 percent), followed by Latino (6.1 percent) and Black (4.4 percent). Just under 8 percent of the residents were foreign-born, a higher-than-average figure for the state as a whole. Indiana’s total population at the time was 4.9 percent foreign-born. The median household income was $55,274, and 12.2 percent of households lived at or below the federal poverty line. About half the residents age 15 and older were married (49.6 percent), while 30.1 percent were never married, and 13.8 percent were divorced.

Almost two-thirds of households (65.5 percent) described themselves as family households.

One factor that appeals to those looking for a place to raise a family is the low crime rate in Greenwood. While the United States average crime index was 280.5 incidents per 100,000 population in 2016, the rate for Greenwood was 257.7. Thefts and other property crimes made up the majority of the offenses. Another appealing trait of the city is the emphasis on getting outdoors and staying active. Pedal boating on the canal is a favorite activity and walking and biking trails are plentiful.

Community Health Needs Assessment of Greenwood, Indiana

Greenwood is part of Marion County, which is served by four major hospitals. Community Health Network, IU Health, St. Francis Alliance, and St. Vincent all collaborated on the 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in compliance with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In terms of insurance coverage, 52.39 percent of the county’s residents were covered by a group policy through an employer. For those under the age of 65 years, 18.85 percent of residents were uninsured, which was higher than the rate for the state as a whole. A lack of coverage is often a barrier to health services.

Specific to mental health services, Greenwood has done well at drawing in professionals to serve the area. The county boasts a ratio of one mental health provider for every 436 patients, which is better than the rate for Indiana as a whole (1 provider for every 750 patients). Health and medical systems in the county provided a continuum of services.

• The Valle Vista Health System has provided services for mental health and addiction for more than 30 years.
• Johnson Memorial Hospital operated a crisis line 24 hours a day for those experiencing a mental health emergency.
• Options Behavioral Health System offered inpatient and residential treatment programs for those in need of a higher level of care.
• The Adult & Child Health Center was a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing support and services for children and families facing mental health difficulties.

Even with all of these resources, substance abuse and mental health appeared third on the list of prioritized health needs in the 2016 CHNA. The unmet mental health needs of Greenwood residents seemed to come down to issues of financial access. Of those responding to the study who stated they needed mental health services, 19.37 percent cited unaffordable copays as the barrier that kept them from getting help.