Therapists in Tacoma, WA and Nearby Locations

Guide to Mental Health Resources in Tacoma, Washington

If you were to take a drive down the streets of the port-side city of Tacoma, Washington, you’d see that its citizens care deeply about and have a strong appreciation for the art, nature, and music procured and protected in the city. Tacoma is neither exceedingly large nor small, making it one of Washington’s coziest cities with all the amenities generally afforded to people living in bigger areas. As of 2017, the population of Tacoma Washington is approximately 213,000, according to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of residents claiming home in Tacoma is experiencing a steady increase of roughly 8% per year. The sharp, continuous upsurge in residents makes the once unthought-of city of Tacoma, Washington a bustling, active place to live.

However, the gentrified Tacoma is still rife with intricate problems that have yet to be effectively tackled by local governing bodies. Tacoma, in addition to the state of Washington, is going through what officials call a “mental health crisis.” There is an inordinate amount of people living in Tacoma suffering from mental illnesses and chemical dependency. In this context, mental illness can refer to any disorder of the mind, covering a wide range of severity. Let’s go over why the state of mental health in Tacoma, Washington is so poor, take an in-depth look into the reasons behind it, and ultimately look at how to find a suitable therapist you can go to if you are experiencing troubles that counseling would benefit.

An Overview of Mental Health in Tacoma, Washington

The concern of troubling rates of mental illness is not one that Tacoma is facing alone. The state of Washington as a whole is undergoing a mental health crisis. According to a 2017 study commissioned by Mental Health America, Washington State stood in 41^st place regarding the prevalence of mental illness and lack of care among adults. That means Washington is worse off than 80% of the nation. But, why is there such a discrepancy between Washington and the other states in the union? And, specifically, Tacoma?

To begin with, Tacoma has an intense crime problem. Crimes like theft, burglary, and violent crime are off the charts, often clocking in at well over three times the national average. The overall crime rate in Tacoma, Washington is a whopping 164% higher than the national average, according to the FBI. You have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Unfortunately, a multitude of studies suggests a strong link between areas that experience high crime rates, and areas that experience high rates of mental illness exists. The pathology of rampant crime is not ceasing in Tacoma; the problem of mental illness isn’t either. Meaning, that the demographic more vulnerable to mental illness, is only getting worse as crime plays a significant role.

The rate of people living in abject poverty in Tacoma is roughly 3% higher than the national average of 15%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That figure is in part influenced by the number of people unable to find work, which is also higher than much of the nation. If you are living below the federal poverty line, the chances of you having a mental illness as an adult are pointedly higher. According to a 2016 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, of the 9.8 million adults with a serious mental illness, 2.5 million are living below the poverty line.

Additionally, the rate of divorce in Tacoma, Washington is estimated to be 15% higher than the national average. Divorce plays an important role in mental health, often negatively impacting all parties involved. If you feel as though your relationship is in jeopardy, it is recommended to seek out a counselor that can help, before making any permanent decisions.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Tacoma, Washington

Crime and financial woes are at the forefront of determining the likelihood of suffering from a mental illness in Tacoma, Washington. However, another rampant problem relating to mental health is the lack of care in the area. As per the Mental Health America Study, Washington currently ranks in the bottom 50% of states regarding access to care.

Despite intense political efforts to alleviate the problem of people not getting the care they require, the issue persists. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 14.1% of those living in Tacoma are without health insurance; almost double that of the rest of the country. For many, the cost of out-of-pocket treatment is out of the question. Without health insurance that largely covers the price of counseling and other forms of mental health treatment, it becomes unaffordable to many, especially when you consider the number of people living in poverty in the area.

Another reason people do not receive the treatment they need to get better is because of stigma. Some people, especially those born in earlier generations, fear therapy, despite its proven benefits. They are scared of the prospective judgment of others if they were to take the plunge and go through counseling. It’s important to recognize the falsity of said stigma and acknowledge the assistance therapy can bring to one’s life; particularly if they suffer from a mental illness.

Mental Health Resources in Tacoma, Washington

Thankfully, there is a good number of renowned clinics and hospitals in the area that put a focus on mental health. Tacoma Behavioral Health Clinic, for example, emphasizes the importance of therapy, and services for both adults and children. Places like Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare offer visitors same-day appointments and accept clients reliant on Medicaid.