Therapists in Portland, OR and Nearby Locations

Finding Mental Health Professionals in Portland, Oregon

The beautiful city of Portland is home to over 600,000 people, making it Oregon’s most populous city. And, the number of residents is ever-expanding. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the citizenry of Portland increased by 10% from 2000 to 2010. The city is known for its creativity and beautiful, lush outdoors. However, not all is good in Portland. Directors at a new Portland-based clinic, Unity, are calling it a “mental health crisis.” New reports are released periodically, each shining a much-needed light on how prolific mental problems are in Portland and the state as a whole. In fact, according to a 2017 study, Oregon ranked as the worst state for mental health in America. Let’s break down the contributing factors to this so-called crisis and discuss solutions for those suffering in the area.

As mentioned before, the state of Oregon currently stands as the worst state for mental health. It’s widely believed that the rate of mental illness in Portland is roughly 40%. These mental illnesses can be anything from eating disorders to anxiety. But, in Portland’s case, depression and suicide are the primary mental health problems people deal with.

Depression is so prevalent in the city that suicide is the current leading cause of death and the trend is only continuing, according to a 2018 report from Lifeline Connections. So, what’s the reason behind the state-wide mental health epidemic? As discussed previously, Portland’s population recently received an influx of transplants. The surge in population is continuing at a steady pace with 8.3% growth since 2010, as per the U.S. Census Bureau. This spike is a contributing factor, as those who live around more people are more susceptible to mental illness. Another demographic that’s statistically vulnerable to mental illness is war veterans. Common ailments for veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. In fact, according to the National Veterans Foundation, almost one in four veterans suffer from debilitating depression or PTSD, a dishearteningly high rate. Portland, Oregon is home to just over 10% of Oregon’s entire veteran population, according to a report published by the state. That’s an extremely high number of very vulnerable people living as Portlanders; undoubtedly a primary cause of the high rate of mental illness in the area.

Portland, Oregon is experiencing more than a mental health crisis. The city is also going through an unceasing increase in homelessness. As per a 2017 survey, there are 4,177 homeless people in Multnomah County, where Portland is located. That’s a massive 10% increase from 2015; a significant surge. The homeless population is also a particularly
vulnerable demographic, featuring exceptionally high rates of mental illness and substance abuse. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, approximately 25% of those who are homeless live with a severe mental illness. For reference, the national average for that statistic is 6%. Additionally, almost 40% of homeless people suffer
from addiction, a key player in mental health problems. Though Portland’s homeless population isn’t all that much higher than the national average, the growing nature of it is what’s concerning. Experts attribute the rise to poor policy decisions on the part of the local government. Recently, a plan was put in place in an attempt to house every homeless family in the area.
Unfortunately, it was largely unsuccessful and thus deemed a failure.

Portland, Oregon’s divorce rate is one of the highest in the country coming in at 12.5%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national average for divorced couples is roughly 10%. Divorce is another contributor to Portland’s poor rate of mental health, potentially leaving all parties involved more likely to develop mental illnesses. The increasing
of therapists specializing in family therapy for Portlanders is indicative of the high divorce rate.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Portland, Oregon

Regrettably, only a fraction of those in need of help will receive it. There is a multitude of reasons behind this, including the fact that for many, finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process; especially for those seeking counseling for the first time. However, for the sake of treatment, it’s critical to find the best therapist possible. It’s important to settle with someone
you’re comfortable speaking with and who offers insightful advice. Well-reviewed or highly recommended therapists are usually your best bet. The insurance market in Portland is uneasy at the moment, leaving almost 12% of Portlanders without any health insurance; three points higher than the national average, as per the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, health insurance hikes are on the horizon, with many Oregonians looking at a 16% increase in premiums by next year. You must pick a therapist that aligns appropriately with your insurance plan or lack thereof. Mental Health Resources in Portland, Oregon The state of Oregon has recognized the state of emergency regarding mental health and has funded the creation of quite a few distinguished institutions focusing on treating Portland residents. Unity Center for Behavioral Health is a new clinic offering a variety of services to those in need. There’s also Cedar Hills Hospital, a large organization that’s known for providing quality care for patients.