Richardson, Texas Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Richardson, Texas

Richardson, Texas is one of the most well-known suburbs of Dallas, as it is home to the University of Texas at Dallas. Located five miles from parts of Dallas (and about 18 miles from downtown Dallas), Richardson has plenty of other things besides a top-tier research university of which to be proud.

According to the Richardson Economic Development Partnership, Richardson has some of the best employment opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Telecommunications, public education, financial services, and insurance are the primary industries active in Richardson. State Farm Insurance employs 8,000 at its regional hub in Richardson, while AT&T employs 5,000 at its Richardson division. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas provides 3,100 jobs at its Richardson headquarters, and the University of Texas at Dallas employs nearly 2,700 people.

However, like any other city in the United States, Richardson has a variety of problems facing some of its residents — including mental illness. Fortunately, Richardson as well as neighboring cities offer plenty of treatment options.

Poverty and Mental Health in Richardson, Texas

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 10.4% of Richardson’s 116,783 residents live below the poverty level – somewhat lower than the national average of 12.7% and the state average of 14.7%. However, nearly 17% of Richardson residents under the age of 65 do not have health insurance; the national average is close to 10%. Therefore, Richardson residents could still face financial hurdles related to getting proper medical treatment.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), poverty worsens the symptoms of serious mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The daily struggles of living exacerbate symptoms of mental illness among people of all economic classes. However, when daily struggles are defined as all-too-real fears about food, shelter, and healthcare and combined with one or more serious mental illnesses, treatment compliance, and positive outcomes become more challenging.

Poverty also makes it more probable that a person will experience a serious mental illness. Also, it is worth noting that even people with high school and college educations are more at risk of living in poverty when a mental illness presents itself.

Mental Health Statistics for Richardson, Texas

According to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, one in five (or 20%) of adults in Texas will experience a mental health issue this year.

According to a report from the American Psychological Association, Texas has nearly 3,900 active psychologists — the largest number in the Southern region. This further demonstrates how pervasive the problem of mental illness is among people throughout the state.

While Richardson-specific statistics are difficult to find, according to the SAMHSA Texas Behavioral Health Barometer for 2015, Texas overall has mental illness incidence rates that are close to the national average.

• The national and state averages for serious mental illnesses among adults for the same period were 3.8% and 4.2%, respectively.
• The state’s percentage of major depressive episodes among children 12-17 in 2013-2014 was 11.2% — on par with the U.S. average of 11% for the same period.

Mental Health Resources for Richardson, Texas

A SAMSHA search engine lists only one mental health care provider within Richardson’s city limits; this provider also offers substance abuse treatment. Richardson has two additional facilities that focus on substance abuse treatment.

It appears some Richardson residents visit Dallas as well as other cities such as Plano (approximately five miles away) and Carrollton (approximately 10 miles away) for their mental health care. SAMSHA lists 15 mental health treatment options and 23 substance abuse treatment providers within a 10-mile radius of Richardson.

Many of these organizations offer low-cost treatment options, especially for people without insurance. This is especially important due to the high rate of uninsured people under the age of 65 in Richardson as well as the general trends of poverty in the state (see the “Poverty and Mental Health in Richardson, Texas” section for more information). Regardless of your current financial or insurance status, it is always worth asking about payment options.

Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Richardson, Texas

This website is dedicated to helping people in Richardson, Texas and every other U.S. city find the best mental health treatment possible.

While your employer or health insurer likely has a referral service, you are likely to end up frustrated after hours of completing rather personal forms. More often than not, providers recommended by your employer or health insurer have few or no appointments.