BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The Mountain State has only five percent of the amount of licensed psychiatrists needed to serve the state’s population. That is the lowest percentage of any state in the nation, according to a report by Trilliant Health.
Currently, one in five adults in West Virginia struggle with a mental health condition. The state frequently ranks among the worst in the U.S. for mental health, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Dr. A.D. Faheem, a psychiatrist in Beckley, told 59News mental health is an important part of everyday life and it should not be overlooked.
“Well I think mental health problems are quite prevalent in our state and rural states, but I think a lot of people a stigma is still there, a lot of people don’t really want to talk about mental health issues somebody who is getting help or treatment sometimes they are looked down upon,” said Faheem.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for behavioral health services has spiked nationwide.
“That is you have to remember that your mind controls your body and what goes on inside your head and your mind effects the rest of your body,” said Faheem.
According to US News Health, there are only 478 psychiatrists in the state.
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