According to recent rankings by Forbes, Kansas has been placed ninth in the nation for mental health treatment, shedding light on concerning disparities in access and affordability within the state’s mental health care system. The rankings, which take into account factors such as the cost and availability of mental health care treatment, as well as the percentage of adults with mental illness who do not receive adequate treatment, underscore the urgent need for improved mental health support and resources.
Eric Litwiller, Director of Development and Communications at the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, highlighted the significant barriers individuals face in accessing mental health treatment, particularly those grappling with substance abuse issues. Litwiller noted that only approximately 10% of individuals battling substance abuse seek and receive treatment, contributing to the high percentage of adults not accessing adequate mental health care.
Moreover, the rankings revealed that over half of individuals under the age of 18 in Kansas do not receive mental health services—a statistic that emphasizes the importance of recognizing mental health concerns from an early age. Litwiller emphasized the need for parents to understand that mental health issues can impact children as young as five years old, as evidenced by data from the Centers for Disease Control tracking suicide statistics.
In urging individuals to prioritize their mental health as they would their physical well-being, Litwiller emphasized the persistent stigma surrounding mental health discussions. He underscored the importance of bridging the gap between physical health and mental health, noting the disparity in how these issues are perceived and discussed in society.
As Kansas grapples with its ranking in mental health treatment, advocates like Litwiller continue to advocate for increased awareness, accessibility, and affordability of mental health care services, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions and providing support for those in need.
