Stamford, Connecticut Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health Resources in Stamford, Connecticut

The famous city of Stamford, Connecticut is affectionately nicknamed “the city that works.” With a prime location in Fairfield County, the city is home to more than 130,000 residents, according to a 2017 estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau. Locals are known for their appreciation and bolstering of art and literature. The abundance of film institutions, science centers, and other facets of a lively culture grants anyone in Stamford access to a bevy of entertainment. And, if you get bored with what one city has to offer, you can always skip town and head over to New York City through the convenient Interstate 95. It’s only about an hour’s drive.

Typically, the reason one chooses to move his or her family to Stamford is identical to that of a majority of American cities. However, not everyone who wishes to participate in the labor market has the opportunity to do so. Those that are able to land a job are not always able to maintain it and may become unemployed. In fact, the job market in Stamford is continuously worsening. However, a high rate of jobless individuals serves as a major contributing factor to another complex, widespread issue. Experts are describing Stamford as going through a “mental health crisis.” Let’s go over what mental health looks like in the Stamford area, assess why the situation is so poor, and talk about what you can do to reach out to speak with a therapist if you are in need.

While the city of Stamford does have many appealing qualities, it is not free of all problems. Mental illness in America is an issue becoming increasingly troublesome. According to a report published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in five, or 20 percent, of American adults suffer from a mental health condition. Making matters worse, access to care could be a bit better for the entire state of Connecticut, as per a 2017 study commissioned by Mental Health America. So, what is causing the state of mental health to be so poor in Stamford, particularly?

Firstly, as mentioned before, the job market in the area is not exactly flourishing. According to Area Vibes, the unemployment rate in the city of Stamford is almost 30 percent higher than the national average. Of course, when you have a decent chunk of the population without income jobs provide, poverty is going to begin to spread. Unfortunately, Stamford is no exception to that rule. While the average per capita annual income is technically higher than the national average, there are still plenty of underprivileged people living in the area. The relationship between mental illness and abject poverty is unrelentingly present, as far as what most of the data indicate. As per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American adults living below the federal poverty level are more than two times as likely to suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition.

The widespread problem of homelessness continues to make headlines as the number of families and individuals without homes continues to rise in Stamford. Regrettably, there is an undeniable, observable link between homelessness and mental illness. A recent report from the National Coalition for the Homeless suggests that more than 25 percent of homeless Americans suffer from a severe mental illness. It is without a doubt that Stamford’s problematic homeless rate is negatively influencing the overall mental health of the community.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Fort Stamford, Connecticut

What most people do not know is that people all over the country are finding it difficult to employ the services of a therapist. A study out of the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that a majority of mentally ill Americans (57 percent) do not receive mental health treatment, despite the necessity of doing so. A driving force behind the extensive inability to find care is the fact America is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals providing patients with care.

In Stamford’s case, officials are blaming poorly crafted policy, unemployment, and stigma for the general lack of mental health care. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of persons without any form of health insurance is almost double the national average, coming in at around 15 percent. For many that find themselves going through life without health insurance, paying out-of-pocket for professional counseling is simply not an option.

Some people also report feeling overwhelmed before making the first contact with a therapist. It’s important to create a list of attainable goals you wish to achieve throughout your time in therapy.

Mental Health Resources in Fort Stamford, Connecticut

Many organizations have opened their doors to those in need around the Stamford, Connecticut area. Well-reviewed, respected clinics like the Behavioral Health Center offer a wide array of useful services regarding mental health. Moreover, the Mental Health Association is an institution advocating for improved mental health services, providing a good deal of their own for both adults and youths.