New York City, New York Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in New York City

Finding a mental health professional can be a challenge in any city. New York City presents its unique challenges. The good news is, that there are experienced and professional counselors available and ready to help you confront your issues and improve your mental health.

Living in a bustling city like New York can be an amazing experience. New York offers some of the best-rated restaurants and bars in the world. It is rich with culture and entertainment. It also offers some of the most fulfilling career opportunities in the United States. However, it also can be exceptionally stressful and demanding.

Mental Health Statistics for NYC

One of the cornerstones of a rewarding life is optimal mental health. Unfortunately, 1 out of 5 New Yorkers are said to suffer from mental health disorders, and 8% battle depression. As of 2015, almost 240,00 New Yorkers were suffering from a serious mental illness. Of these, only 39% received treatment. Most were treated for schizophrenia (50.2%), bipolar disorder (18.1%), or some type of depression (18.3%).

Sadly, over 60% of people with serious mental illness did not get treatment at all. Of those who got treatment, about a third received counseling and medication. The rest received either medications or counseling.

There are a few reasons why those with mental disorders did not receive treatment. Some did not have insurance, or their insurance didn’t cover mental health. Some were not aware that there were providers available who could help them with their mental health. Finally, some just weren’t able to find a mental health professional.

What Makes New York Unique When it Comes to Mental Health?

There are several factors unique to New York that make its residents more susceptible to mental health issues. These factors range from climate to socio-economic status.

• Scientists have found that climate can affect mental health. New York faces unique climate challenges such as heat waves, rising sea levels, power outages, and poor air quality. These factors may lead to fluctuations in mental health issues among residents of New York City.
• Income: Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in New York City. Studies have shown that people from lower-income families will be less likely to seek treatment and may suffer from debilitating mental illness. People in New York’s lowest-income neighborhoods are twice as likely to suffer from a mental illness than those in affluent neighborhoods.
• Education: Those across the city, regardless of education level, are liable to suffer from a mental illness. However, those with better education have better access to healthcare and are therefore more likely to seek treatment.

Divorce Rate in New York City

New York has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country at 12.9 per 1,000 married people. One theory is that this is simply because of the strict alimony laws in New York. However, it could also be that New York offers a wealth of mental health services compared to other parts of the country.

This low divorce rate could also have something to do with the benefits of marriage counseling. New York City has an abundance of mental health professionals who specialize in marriage counseling. Marriage counseling can be integral in saving a marriage. It is always best for a couple to attempt counseling before filing for divorce.

Mental Health Resources in New York City

There are currently over 8,000 mental health professionals in New York. The only state with more is California, and it is much larger than New York. This indicates how prevalent mental health issues are in New York City.

There are many clinics and hospitals to choose from depending on what part of the city you live in. There are also non-profit organizations that offer mental health services to those without insurance.

Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in NYC

There are thousands of mental health providers listed online. They all say they are the best and boast about their excellent patient reviews. It’s hard to know which provider is the best one for you.

You may have a referral service through your health insurance that is designed to assist you in finding a therapist. This requires you to fill out forms and spend hours on the phone only to learn that the mental health providers in your network do not have any openings in the foreseeable future.