During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to reflect on the significance of mental health and its impact on our well-being. Mental health concerns can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or ethnicity. According to SAMHSA, “approximately one in every five individuals in a room likely experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges in the past year.”
Your local Community Health Centers play a pivotal role in promoting wellness, including mental well-being. According to the “Rapid Growth of Mental Health Services at Community Health Centers” study, since 2010, health center patient visits for behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder services, outpaced the growth of every other type of visit. Inclusivity is a priority at community health centers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or financial status, receives the care they deserve. These centers are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community, offering vital resources and support.
One example is Brevard Health Alliance, a community health center in Brevard County, who has “placed mental health professionals in each clinic it has…, as well as worked with community partners to have mental health professionals in their buildings.” Additionally, they have launched multiple integration projects throughout their organization, such as OBGYN, Diabetic Management Team, and Infectious Disease programs. Dr. Ryan Barnett stated, “this diversity allows for the stigma related to mental health to be broken down, along with improving outcomes for individuals who wouldn’t traditionally seek services.”
At your local community health center, you can find a range of behavioral health services tailored to meet various needs, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, sleep problems, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, and more.
It’s understandable that seeking help or care for mental health concerns can be daunting. However, we want to emphasize that your local community health center is a welcoming and supportive environment. To find a community health center near you, visit here!