MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — The latest data from Mental Health America shows Alabama is ranked 50 out of 51 for access to mental health care. Florida pulls slightly ahead at 46 and Mississippi at 42. This is not the best news for Alabama, because it hasn’t made any progress. In 2022, Mental Health America gave Alabama an identical ranking.
“Access to mental healthcare in Alabama is influenced by several factors. A significant issue is lack of health insurance which leaves many individuals unable to afford mental health services,” says Tasha Jones Nelson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Jones Nelson says another factor that plays into access to mental health care is location,
“Many Alabamians live in areas with limited or no access to mental health professionals and this makes it difficult to receive timely and adequate care,” she says.
She says the stigma around mental health continues to further discourage people from getting the help that they need.
Jones Nelson says the state still has work to do to better support Alabamians who are struggling with mental health issues; including expanding Medicaid and other insurance options along with increasing funding for mental health services.
“Specifically in underserved rural areas is crucial,” she says.
However, there is a silver lining. Americas Health Rankings reports since September of 2022, mental health providers increased by 9%, from 128.8 per 100,000 people to 140 per 100,000 people.
Jones Nelson calls that statistic promising and encouraging.
“It suggests that more professionals are recognizing the critical need for mental health services in Alabama, and they are stepping up to fill that gap,” she says.
She says increased availability of providers can also lead to more awareness and accepta