Mental Health Awareness Month: Vital Care

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Updated October 11, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, when nonprofits, government agencies, and health professionals typically work together to promote conversations about the vital role of mental health care. While the recent trends may indicate a cultural shift in mental health awareness, away from certain stigmas surrounding mental illness, many communities still lack adequate access to care. Mental Health Awareness Month can provide an opportunity to share information, advocate for change, and get involved. Online therapy can be an effective resource for individuals who may face barriers to in-person mental health care.

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What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) is a campaign that usually takes place each May in the United States. During Mental Health Awareness Month, various organizations, community groups, and health professionals can come together to promote better mental health care. This often involves:

  • Raising public awareness about issues related to mental health and mental health services
  • Educating the public on mental illness in an effort to reduce stigma
  • Advocating for policies that support people with mental health conditions
  • Promoting strategies for maintaining mental well-being

To honor MHMA, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) often launch campaigns focusing on specific themes related to mental well-being. 

Past themes have focused on self-care strategies, the importance of seeking help, and the value of collective action. The theme for 2024 is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”

The current state of mental health care in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that that more than 20% of adults in the United States may live with a mental health condition

Despite the prevalence of mental illness, many individuals still face considerable barriers to care. National survey data has revealed that nearly one-third of adults with a mental illness may not be able to access necessary treatment, with financial limitations being one of the primary reasons for lack of access. 

Obstacles to care can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Socioeconomic factors: Treating mental illness and substance use disorder often involves services like psychiatric consultations, medication, and ongoing therapy. Even with insurance, those with limited incomes may find the cost of treatment prohibitive, and many communities may lack the resources to provide comprehensive public mental health services. 
  • Stigma associated with mental health: While public discourse surrounding mental health has generally shifted toward openness and compassion, significant stigma may still exist, and it can make people reluctant to seek the help they deserve. Stigma may also contribute to the lack of public resources devoted to psychiatric care.
  • Shortage of mental health professionals: Many communities in the U.S. are currently experiencing a shortage of behavioral health professionals. This shortage tends to be especially pronounced in rural areas and among populations covered by Medicaid or Medicare. While telehealth platforms may be helping to bridge this gap, significant challenges often remain.
  • Insurance limitations: Although the Affordable Care Act generally requires insurers to cover behavioral health care, there can still be disparities in how these services are covered, including limitations on the types of therapy and number of sessions allowed, high deductibles, and co-pays that can make mental health services unaffordable for many. 
  • Navigational challenges: In addition to inflating the cost of care, the extensive and complex patchwork of public entities involved in the healthcare system can be confusing for many individuals to navigate. Individuals may need to negotiate between insurance companies, healthcare providers, and bureaucratic systems to receive care.
  • Access to care in rural areas: While urban and suburban communities may have options for mental health care, those in rural areas often face a scarcity of mental health professionals and facilities. This can lead to longer wait times, increased travel distance, and a reliance on primary care providers, rather than specialists, for mental health services.
  • Lack of awareness and understanding: Although educational campaigns have often enhanced public understanding of mental illness, cultural and generational differences can contribute to situations in which individuals may not recognize the signs of mental health concerns or understand how to seek help.
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Strategies for promoting better community care

A comprehensive mental health care system can be a vital part of a healthy community. Public services, healthcare providers, charitable organizations, and individuals can all play a role in ensuring that those with mental health concerns get the care they deserve. 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, you might consider looking for opportunities to make a difference in one of the following areas of need:

1. Expanding access to care

Communities typically benefit when individuals at every level of society can access mental health resources. Expanding access to care could mean investing in public psychological services, promoting innovation, or reworking existing systems to simplify the process of seeking treatment.

2. Integrating mental health with primary care

Primary care and mental health providers often work independently from each other, frequently creating a disjointed approach to patient care. A more integrated approach could facilitate the early detection and treatment of psychological challenges. For example, mental health screenings could be made a routine part of primary care, or PCPs could receive training to offer basic mental health support for certain types of psychiatric concerns.

3. Building partnerships and collaborations

Addressing mental well-being at the community level typically involves building strong systems that connect healthcare providers, schools, employers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and social services. Fostering strategic collaborations between these stakeholders can be instrumental in ensuring people receive quality care.

4. Creating healthy, connected communities

Mental illness can impact anyone, no matter their background or income. However, people in well-supported and connected communities typically face a lower risk and have access to more treatment options. Well-built infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems can promote a better quality of life and enhance community health.

5. Promoting mental health education and awareness

Promoting public understanding and recognition of mental health and substance use challenges can equip individuals with the information needed to seek help early, support others in their communities, and advocate for comprehensive and equitable behavioral health services.

How you can take action during Mental Health Awareness Month

If you’re looking for ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month, there may be countless ways to lend your support. Here are a few options to consider:

Share information and resources

You can spread understanding about mental health and care options by sharing information and resources within your social circles. Consider utilizing social media channels, blogs, or community newsletters to highlight services available in your area, tips for mental wellness, and stories that normalize discussions around mental health and seeking treatment.

Advocate for change

Advocating for change within your local community, school, or workplace may be another way to drive change. This could include opening a conversation within your organization, contacting your representatives, or engaging the media to raise awareness about issues related to community mental well-being. 

Get involved

Volunteers can play a pivotal role in ensuring people receive treatment. Consider volunteering with a local mental health clinic or charitable organization or connecting with an organization like NAMI to inquire about hosting an event or workshop in your area. 

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Online therapy can provide accessible mental health care 

While there may be considerable barriers to comprehensive, whole-person health care in many communities, teletherapy platforms like BetterHelp can make it possible for individuals to connect with mental health professionals from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy can empower individuals to seek professional help from the comfort of their own homes at times that fit into their existing schedules. They can choose between video conference, phone call, and online chat for each session to suit their comfort level and tailor the therapy experience.

Effectiveness of online therapy for supporting mental health and navigating challenges

In general, research has found online therapy to be just as effective as in-person treatment, providing a convenient and accessible option for those who may otherwise face challenges accessing mental health care. 

Takeaway

Mental Health Awareness Month generally seeks to call attention to the many issues that can be faced by Americans living with mental health challenges, including financial, navigational, and logistical barriers. Overcoming these obstacles at the community level may mean investing in public mental health services, promoting sector innovation, fostering partnerships between community stakeholders, and enhancing public awareness of mental health and treatment options. While work may still need to be done, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can bridge the gap and ensure that more people receive the professional support they deserve.
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