Rock Hill, South Carolina Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Rock Hill, South Carolina

Rock Hill, South Carolina, has a storied history, beautiful views of the Catawba River and over two dozen parks that its 72,926 citizens can be proud of. There is much to do and see in this city, including a variety of museums, music and food festivals and other festivities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

However, while these factors offer a good quality of life for people living in Rock Hill, others may be contributing to mental health problems in the area. If those who suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and addictive behaviors are to get help, it is important to first understand the problems that could be exacerbating these mental disorders and what options for treatment are currently available in the area.

Mental Health Challenges in Rock Hill

The residents of Rock Hill face a variety of challenges that could trigger a mental health problem, particularly those that have a genetic factor, such as chronic depression. For example, many people in Rock Hill were once supported by a successful textile industry, but a sharp decline when textile manufacturing companies moved overseas caused many to lose their jobs. Unemployment is only one challenge city residents face and others include:

• A Low Median Household Income: The average median income for Rock Hill families is $41,291, which is $14,000 less than the national average and could lead to feelings of anxiety for those who are providing for their families;
• A High Poverty Rate: Over 18 percent of people in the city live below the poverty line, a rate that eclipses the nation’s rate of 3 percent. Those living in poverty are not likely to have access to the mental health care they need;
• A Rise in Mental Illness Among Teens: Rock Hill has seen a definite increase in high schoolers who are depressed, feel hopeless or have contemplated suicide. Family pressures, bullying and living at or below the poverty level are likely contributing to these issues;
• Racial Issues: Rock Hill demographics reveal a large gap between the number of white residents to black, Hispanic, and Asian populations, which could lead to feelings of isolation for minority residents.

Rock Hill mental health professionals are also seeing a shocking rise in schizophrenia cases among elementary school children, with some individuals being diagnosed as young as age five. Some experts believe that these young children are being affected both at home and at school, but especially by social media in cases where its usage may not be monitored effectively. Other factors that may contributing to these mental health issues include physical and mental abuse, divorce and a lack of stability in their lives overall.

The Challenges of Finding a Therapist in Rock Hill

Finding access to mental health care can be a considerable obstacle for people living in Rock Hill. While individuals from the ages of 6-17 are typically covered through their parents insurance, this leaves other groups at risk when it comes to a lack of effective health insurance for their mental health needs. For example, people in the city aged 18-24 and those who are over the age of 75 are least likely to have coverage. Of these groups, women are more likely to have coverage than men.

Poverty may also play a role when it comes to Rock Hill residents finding access to the treatment they need. Those who live below the poverty line are not likely to have coverage or any means of transportation into areas where help is available. While the city does have a public transportation system, those who live in rural areas of Rock Hill may not have the means to reach bus stops.

Mental Health Resources in Rock Hill

Fortunately, there are many mental health resources available in Rock Hill that treat a variety of issues and those that specialize in counseling individuals and families. Some of these wellness centers focus on the treatment of an array of issues that include:

• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder

There are nearly 12 dozen treatment centers that are located directly in Rock Hill and several in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is a little over half an hour away from the city.