Impacts of Mental Health Services on U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
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By Milton Akabwai
June 1, 2012
When people talk about healthcare, the issue that commonly comes to mind is physical illness or accidents. However, mental health is considered as one of the most important factors which determine the overall well-being. Unfortunately, people encounter several challenges when it comes to receiving and maintaining mental health services and prevents them from getting assistance that would improve their quality of life (Boyd, 2007). A report by the American Hospital Association (AHA) shows that the most common barrier which patients encounter when trying to receive mental health care is cost. In addition, effective treatment is also impeded by a fragmented delivery of behavioural health as well as shortage in provider services. Despite of this, millions of dollars are spent every year in the U.S. economy in trying to provide an effective mental health care.
Not only is physical health care critical, but also good mental health. Currently, millions of people in the U.S. continue to suffer from different types of mental diseases. These complications include obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and personality disorder. Psychological disorders and mental illnesses continue to increase despite of the presence of appropriate treatment options with psychotherapy, medications and different other treatments. The prevalence rate of behavioural health disorders as well as substance abuse is some of the factors which have been highlighted by AHA (American Hospital Association, n.d). The report shows that close to half of all U.S. citizens will suffer from a mental disorder and more than a quarter will develop substance abuse disorder during their lifetime. Annually, one in four individuals experience substance abuse disorder or mental illness.
Although behavioural health disorders are more prevalent among adults, children are also at risk. In 2009, mental health complications were the fourth most common...
June 1, 2012
When people talk about healthcare, the issue that commonly comes to mind is physical illness or accidents. However, mental health is considered as one of the most important factors which determine the overall well-being. Unfortunately, people encounter several challenges when it comes to receiving and maintaining mental health services and prevents them from getting assistance that would improve their quality of life (Boyd, 2007). A report by the American Hospital Association (AHA) shows that the most common barrier which patients encounter when trying to receive mental health care is cost. In addition, effective treatment is also impeded by a fragmented delivery of behavioural health as well as shortage in provider services. Despite of this, millions of dollars are spent every year in the U.S. economy in trying to provide an effective mental health care.
Not only is physical health care critical, but also good mental health. Currently, millions of people in the U.S. continue to suffer from different types of mental diseases. These complications include obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and personality disorder. Psychological disorders and mental illnesses continue to increase despite of the presence of appropriate treatment options with psychotherapy, medications and different other treatments. The prevalence rate of behavioural health disorders as well as substance abuse is some of the factors which have been highlighted by AHA (American Hospital Association, n.d). The report shows that close to half of all U.S. citizens will suffer from a mental disorder and more than a quarter will develop substance abuse disorder during their lifetime. Annually, one in four individuals experience substance abuse disorder or mental illness.
Although behavioural health disorders are more prevalent among adults, children are also at risk. In 2009, mental health complications were the fourth most common...