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Why it’s so hard to find affordable mental health care

Lack of insurance coverage, racial disparities, and too few providers are three barriers facing those seeking mental health resources.
Lack of insurance coverage, racial disparities, and too few providers are three barriers facing those seeking mental health resources.

Nearly a decade ago, only 55 percent of psychiatrists accepted private health insurance.

That number is probably much smaller now among both therapists and psychiatrists — in part because of low reimbursement rates.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Insurance coverage is one of several barriers for those seeking mental health care. There are also racial disparities and a lack of providers.

We talk with experts about the state of our mental health care system — and how to fix it.

We reached out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — SAMHSA (SAM-suh) — about its efforts to bolster care for young kids and communities of color. Here’s what they shared with us: 

Copyright 2022 WAMU 88.5

Kathryn Fink
Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.