Access to mental healthcare stems from access to the resources that provide it- insurance. For a long time there has been a burning stigma around mental illness and disorders, this very stigma has limited access to mental healthcare worldwide- not just in the countries where healthcare isn’t a birth given right (I’m talking to you, United States.) Let’s talk about where we are making leaps and bounds in the right direction, and where we are not quite keeping up.
If you live in the United States, all healthcare requires some form of insurance policy. We could call this “the bad”, as requiring a socioeconomic advantage for care sets up significant barriers for normal citizens. People who are paying to be insured, have higher rates of care than the uninsured. Meaning that uninsured persons are at a higher risk of fatal mental illness or disorders. However, in Canada, access is improving with the government investing $5 billion into mental health services in 2017. Canada’s commitments include, “increasing the supply of mental health workers, providers for specialized needs, and virtual options to overcome geographical barriers.”(Moroz) This is “the good”, let's expect more out of our leaders and advocate for these changes everywhere!
Insurance companies are infamous for cutting corners and mental health coverage is absolutely no exception. In order to navigate coverage properly, we should keep in mind that their main focus is always cash. Consumers have to advocate for themselves. Every company varies, every policy varies, every person’s needs vary. Although this barrier still exists between care, the United States Government says that the “marketplace” considers mental/behavioral health services “essential” and limits to medical/surgical coverage cannot be less restrictive than mental/behavioral coverage. Recently, remote mental healthcare options have become widely available. This is most likely attributed to the pandemic, as virtual mental healthcare options are new to the insurance coverage game. Virtual/online therapists and psychiatrists may have limited sessions covered by a plan but it is something currently broadening.
You are not required to have healthcare coverage, a recent change from the Affordable Care Act in 2019. You were expected to pay a fine if you went too long consecutively without coverage. This act set forth the standard of equality between mental/behavioral health and medical/surgical coverage in the marketplace, establishing them as essential in the United States in 2010, well after many already developed countries. It is important we weigh our options with health coverage, and especially when we consider our mental health. Times are changing, the stigma around mental health is decreasing. We still have a long way to go as a society, but this change can only be embraced by the people in charge. Keep in mind that you have the capability to advocate for your best interest when choosing a plan, and don’t neglect your health that isn’t visible; mental health is the true health of your soul.
References
Image: How to get help with a mental health issue. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/mental-health-parity.html
Moroz N, Moroz I, D’Angelo MS. Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access. Healthcare Management Forum. 2020;33(6):282-287. doi:10.1177/0840470420933911
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