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WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit philanthropic organization, and National Council for Behavioral Health, the unifying voice of America's health care organizations that delivers mental health and addiction treatment and services, issued the inaugural America's Mental Health 2018, a comprehensive study of access to mental health care, at the 2018 Cohen Veterans Care Summit in Washington D.C. The study, which assesses Americans' current access to and attitudes towards mental health services, revealed American mental health services are insufficient, and despite high demand, the root of the problem is lack of access – or the ability to find care.
The study offers a comprehensive analysis of the state of mental health care in the U.S. It is comprised of a two-pronged research project that includes an online survey of 5,000 American adults, and a robust analysis of third-party data measuring patients' access to mental health services in terms of four pillars – providers, facilities, funding and perceived satisfaction among patients.
"There is a mental health crisis in America. My experience establishing mental health clinics across the country, coupled with this study, shows that more needs to be done to give Americans much needed access to mental health services," said Cohen Veterans Network President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Hassan. "If we want to save lives, save families and save futures we must reimagine our behavioral health system and take concrete steps to improving consumers' ability to find the care they need, when they need it, and on their terms."
Despite Strong Demand for Mental Health Services, Common Barriers Remain
The demand for mental health services is stronger than ever, with nearly six in 10 (56%) Americans seeking or wanting to seek mental health services either for themselves or for a loved one. These individuals are skewing younger and are more likely to be of lower income and have a military background. The large majority of Americans (76%) also believe mental health is just as important as physical health.
"This study confirmed what we hear from our members every day, that individuals and families continue to struggle to find the help they desperately need," said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of National Council for Behavioral Health. "Mental health...