Therapists in Jackson, MS and Nearby Locations

Overview of Mental Health Resources in

Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson in Hinds County is the capital and the most populated city in Mississippi. Its population was estimated to be 165,072 in 2017, which is a decline from 2010’s total of 173,514. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 113.2 square miles (293.3 km2). It is the only city in the country to exist on top of an extinct volcano, the Jackson Volcano. It is located 2900 feet (880 meters) underground. The Mississippi Coliseum, a 6500-seat arena, sits on its crater. The city has a humid subtropical climate. It is susceptible to to severe thunderstorms, which can produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The median income for a household in 2010 was $30,414, according to the Census. Estimates of 23.5% people were below the poverty line. It is known as “The City with Soul” as it has been the home of many notable jazz, blues, gospel, and folk musicians. Malaco Records is also in the city, which is one of the leading record companies for gospel, blues, and soul music in the country. The Mississippi State Fair that occurs every October is 12 days long and attracts thousands of visitors.

City Concerns

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Mississippi for failing to provide enough community-based services to individuals with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. They state that it is violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). The Department argues that the state relies too much on institutionalization and does not provide the appropriate services when psychiatric inpatient providers no longer offer services. When a state hospital closed in Jackson in 2014, many of the patients with a mental illness became homeless.

According to the U.S. Census, Mississippi has the highest rate of depression in the nation (14.8 percent) and it has the third-highest rate of frequent mental suffering (13.5 percent). The state also lacks sufficient mental health treatment for young urban people. Approximately 13,000 children, more than 62 percent of youth who suffer a major depressive episode do not get any professional help, according to 2017 national statistics report. In 2016 and 2017, the nonprofit organization Families as Allies discovered that many parents did not know about the mental health services and providers in the state. Even if they were aware of them, most people could not afford them or travel to them. Some parents admitted that they had to call 911 to help when their child had a mental health / behavioral episode.

The divorce rate for Mississippi in 2016 was 7%. The divorce rate for the same year in the U.S. was 3.2 per 1,000 population.

How We Can Help

It is challenging to find the right services when choices are as limited as they are in Jackson. We understand that it is a brave, and such a worthwhile, step to reach out in the need of support. We did our research to make it easier for you to make that effort. As we listed in the City Concerns section, the Jackson community has its own unique needs. The following providers specialize in many of those aspects. Please consider listing your symptoms, the timelines, and any concerns you may have to make your initial call the most effective that it can be. Ask yourself if you have any preferences regarding your therapist: education, training, experience, gender, and/ or length of time as a professional.

Crisis Intervention

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health partners with law enforcement officers and a variety of other agencies, including CMHCs, primary health providers, and other behavioral health professionals to provide crisis intervention services.

Mississippi Suicide & Crisis Hotlines:

Hospitals

Merit Health Central provides inpatient mental and behavioral healthcare services.

The Mississippi State Hospital is for people in need of psychiatric, chemical dependency or nursing home services by rehabilitating in the least restrictive environment.