A new study on the state of mental healthcare in America gives the Hoosier state mixed reviews.
The report from Mental Health America—a nonprofit promoting mental health and addressing the needs of those impacted by mental illness—says there are a reduced number of Hoosiers unable to access treatment.
However, the state ranks near the bottom in unmet need—meaning that adults who sought treatment were unable to access it either from a lack of providers, limited insurance coverage, or other disconnects.
John Keesler is an Associate Professor at Indiana University’s School of Social Work. While he was not involved in the study, he says rural communities face particularly difficult challenges combatting mental illness.
"What works in urban communities does not necessarily work in rural settings and we need to adapt our approach," he says.
Keesler says it’s important to attract providers who understand the communities they’re working in along with continuing to fight the stigma associated with mental illness.
