Lynn, Massachusetts Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Lynn, Massachusetts

For anyone who hasn’t visited Lynn in recent years, the saying, “Lynn, Lynn, city of sin” may still be the first thing that comes to mind when this former crime-ridden, factory town is mentioned. However, the city, which is located just 10 miles north of Boston, has been going through a rebuilding period. With 94,063 residents, a diverse population, relatively affordable property, easy access to the trails of Lynn Woods Reservation, and a recovering historic downtown, Lynn has much to offer residents. Beautiful ocean views are just a bonus.

Mental Health in Lynn

While the city may appear more hopeful these days, its legacy still casts its shadow. Many residents may find themselves facing one of the unique situations below. Each one has its mental health challenges.

• Poverty: 14% of Lynn’s residents live in poverty. Research indicates that poverty can weigh on a person’s mental health.
• Income Inequality: The median household income in Lynn is $69,922, but this is considerably lower than the rest of Essex County and Massachusetts. Seeing neighbors who are more financially successful than you are could result in stress and anxiety.
• Suicide: The suicide rate in Lynn is higher than that of Massachusetts. Remember, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always available at 1-800-273-8255 if you need it.
• Disability: 7% of Lynn’s residents under age 65 have a disability. Depending on the disability, the individual may want to pursue counseling services. Families and caretakers may also benefit from the support of a counselor.
• Chronis Illnesses: Residents of Lynn have higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma than the rest of the state. Managing long-term illnesses presents unique mental health challenges.
• Refugees: Compared to the rest of Massachusetts, Lynn has taken in a high percentage of refugees. Not all 4% of the foreign-born people in Lynn are refugees, but the city does have a high number of refugees from Cambodia, Ethiopia, and other countries. Refugees could face difficulty integrating into a new culture as well as recovering from the trauma that made them flee their homes.
• Substance Abuse and Addiction: Massachusetts has been one of the hardest hit states in the opioid epidemic in the US. Addicts can often benefit from counseling as they pursue sobriety. Their family and friends may want to seek mental health services as well to help them cope with their loved one’s illness.

Mental Health Resources in Lynn

Across the country, Massachusetts is one of the top-ranked states in terms of providing access to mental health services. For residents in Lynn, there are English and Spanish-speaking counselors available, which is helpful for the large Spanish-speaking population. The experienced therapists have backgrounds as licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors, and registered expressive arts therapists.

The counselors who work with Lynn residents have experience with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, anger management, and chronic illness. They can also help individuals who are going through depression or addiction, as well as those who are managing bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and more.

Some of the modalities these counselors work with are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, ethnic discovery, solution-focus therapy, meditation, strength-based strategies, rational emotive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, expressive arts, motivational interviewing, and mind-body connections. Although these terms may seem foreign now, your counselor will help you find the method that works best for you.

The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Lynn

The state may have strong access to health care, but many residents in Lynn are still underserved. The large low-income, minority, and immigrant populations are likely to have difficulty accessing mental health services.

Some non-profits and community organizations offer free and sliding-scale services. Even a free support group can sometimes provide help, especially for those who are struggling with addictions, when no other services are available.