Mesquite, Texas Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Mesquite Texas

Finding a mental health professional you can easily relate to can be challenging regardless of what city you live in. Mesquite, Texas presents challenges just like any place in the U.S. The good news is that there are dozens of trained professionals in the Mesquite area ready and waiting to help guide you through the tough times.

Known as the Rodeo Capital of Texas, Mesquite is a bustling suburb of nearly 144,000 residents. Located on the eastern edges of Dallas County, the city has been granted the title of Playful City USA five times in recent history, including in 2017 due to its 76 parks and two recreational areas. There’s no shortage of things to do In Mesquite with downtown Dallas just minutes away, as well as proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard and Love Field.

Mental Health Statistics for Mesquite

A general sense of well-being and that everything is going to be fine, regardless of most circumstances are signs of excellent mental health. Unfortunately, 6 percent of the population has suffered a major depressive or anxiety episode in the past year. Additionally, more than 8 percent of the population aged 12 and older are classified as having substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in the past year.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 14 to 17 nationwide, and Dallas County is no different. Youth suicide rates have escalated in recent years. The latest numbers show that 10.2 percent of the population committed suicide in the last year alone. A sharp increase from 2.4 percent for the years 2012-2015.

What Makes Mental Health Different in Mesquite?

Mesquite is similar to the problems facing residents of any metropolis area such as Dallas. However, living in the outlying areas of such a big city can create stressors not found in the inner city areas. Long commute times, traffic, and a similar cost of living while not earning as much are just some of the reasons people in Mesquite may experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

• Studies show a parallel between financial stress and mental health issues.
• Dallas and surrounding communities such as Mesquite are known for their relatively low median income of just $22,610.
• Causes for suicide in Mesquite are linked to untreated mental illness.
• Studies show lower-income residents may suffer crippling mental illness but not have access to mental health care. Mesquite has a poverty percentage of 8 percent.
• Research shows that sitting in traffic is linked to poor mental health and possibly contributes to an increase in aggression and crime.

Divorce Rate in Mesquite

Mesquite has an average divorce rate of 11 percent. The median age is 32 years old, which may account for a somewhat stable marriage and divorce rate. Studies have shown that those getting married later in life are more likely to stay together. A lower poverty rate may also account for couples staying together as financial stresses are a known leading cause of separation and divorce.

A plenitude of marriage counselors in the area may also account for why the divorce rate is relatively stable. With hundreds of marriage counselors in Dallas County, there are plenty of mental health professionals available to help people find help married people find resolutions before seeking legal remedies.

Mental Health Resources in Mesquite

There are three dozen mental health professionals in Mesquite, with hundreds more in Dallas County. Overall, Texas is said to have a shortage of therapists, the number of licensed professionals available in Mesquite is well below the minimum national threshold.

Finding a professional in Mesquite or any of the communities in the Greater Dallas area shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t mind a little bit of a drive. Hospitals, clinics, and non-profit organizations are plenty, even if your insurance doesn’t cover all of the costs.

Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Mesquite

Hundreds of mental health providers are easy to find online. However, almost all of them have websites boasting how effective their services are and a great number of them come with social reviews. Popular sites such as Yelp Yellow Pages have a host of therapists, all carrying some form of positive review so it can be hard to decide which professional is right for you.

Health insurance providers often offer referrals to licensed therapists nearby. This however comes with a lot of paperwork and red tape, just to get your first visit. If you don’t like the person you meet with, you may not be given another choice or you might find it exhausting to change therapists. Even more problematic is if your need is urgent. So, how do you pick the right person for the job of helping you with your issues?