Therapists in Surprise, AZ and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health Resources in Surprise, Arizona

The lively temperate city of Surprise, Arizona offers fantastic views, plenty of amenities, and a decently safe place to live for residents. Given the appealing characteristics of the area, it is no surprise that people are moving there in droves. As of 2017, approximately 134,000 people live in the city, according to the most recent estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau. While that may seem like far too many people for one city, it is quite similar to other cities in similar situations. However, the population of Surprise tends to increase by a massive 15% every ten years, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, in terms of population.

The primary motivation behind one’s decision to drop everything and move out to Surprise, Arizona is identical to the vast majority of American cities; something to do with a job opportunity. Be it a promotion or a new job altogether, plenty of people subject themselves to living in a region they have never lived in before for a pay raise. That being said, not everyone who is in the market for employment manages to land a job. For those that do, maintaining it can be tricky with layoffs happening regularly. Relatively high levels of low-income and jobless individuals are directly contributing to a separate complex problem. Experts say that Surprise, Arizona is currently experiencing a “mental health crisis.” Let’s take a look at why people are making that claim, how the general mental health of the community got so poor, and what you can do to get in contact with a therapist who can help if you are in need.

Unfortunately, the concern of a deteriorating group’s mental health is one Americans are facing beyond just the city of Surprise. The state of Arizona as a whole ranks in the top 95% of states regarding the prevalence of mental illness amongst adult inhabitants. Moreover, a report published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that a whopping 20% to 25% of Americans suffer from a mental illness. In this context and for future reference, the term mental illness refers to any diagnosable psychiatric disorder one may live with. For example, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder. So, what is causing the rate of mental health conditions to skyrocket in Surprise, in particular?

Firstly, Surprise suffers from a problem that has been persistent in larger cities for a long time now: Poor education. According to statistics sourced from the 11 county schools, the average test score of a student in Surprise is 21% lower than the national average. Unfortunately, the link between the quality of education someone receives and the likelihood he or she will suffer from a mental illness in the future is present. While the relationship between education and general health is far from simple, it is undeniable that those whose quality of childhood education was subpar are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness.

Surprise, Arizona also has an income problem. The cost of living in the area is exuberant, coming in at 13% higher than the national average in regards to housing alone. Meanwhile, the average income per capita in the area is 11% lower than the rest of the nation. It’s the classic case of community poverty worsening because the general cost of living in the city outweighs the average earning potential of most people. Just as there is a correlation between education and mental health, areas with high rates of abject poverty also endure high rates of mental health problems. According to 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 be diagnosed with a mental illness when compared to their non-destitute counterparts.

The Trouble Finding a Suitable Therapist in Surprise, Arizona

Chances are, you probably know someone who attends therapy sessions. This is why it is surprising to some to hear that much of America is finding it difficult to reach out to a therapist who can help. The United States is going through a shortage of mental health professionals available to provide treatment to patients. Furthermore, experts also point fingers at poorly crafted policies, low income, and stigma as reasons why so many people aren’t getting the treatment they require. A recent report published by the National Institute of Mental Health estimates a clear majority of mentally ill Americans do not receive any form of treatment.

In the case of Surprise, specifically, income plays a major role in people’s mental health, often determining if they can get help in the first place. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, residents of Surprise are more likely to not have any form of health insurance than the average American. Regrettably, a good chunk of people who lack health insurance also are not in the upper echelon of earners. The absence of any health insurance combined with the inability to pay for out-of-pocket treatment leaves many people vulnerable in Surprise, Arizona.

Mental Health Resources in Surprise, Arizona

Fortunately, if you are living in Surprise, a good deal of organizations that focus on mental health have their door open and are ready to assist you. MGA Crisis Intervention, for example, is a well-known mental health clinic in the area servicing those who suffer from mental illness in the region. Notre Dame Behavioral Health is another renowned clinic in the area offering a bevy of services to those in need.