Financial hardship is closely linked to mental health challenges.
People who grow up or live in difficult social conditions are more likely to struggle with their mental health throughout their lives. These challenges are often shaped by larger systems in society that keep families stuck in cycles of poverty and poor health across generations (Kirkbride, J. B., et al., 2024). With a third of US citizens and families living below the poverty line, research consistently demonstrates that despite high levels of need, few of these individuals access quality mental health care, and numerous systemic, cultural, and individual barriers limit access for these populations (Hodgkinson, S., et al., 2017).
Why is the MHI Needed?
In America, over 4.7 million adults with a mental illness seek mental health services without insurance.
In 2024 the Census (CPS ASEC) stated that 27.11 million individuals went the entire year without any form of insurance coverage.
The Census also found that in 2024, 11.0 percent of adults aged 19 to 64 did not have health insurance coverage. This does not include those under the age of 18 who are dependents.
Furthermore, the Census found that for both children under the age of 19 and adults aged 19 to 64, the uninsured rate was highest for those living in families in poverty
Forty-two percent of the population saw cost of mental health services and poor insurance coverage as the top barriers for accessing mental health care.
One in four (25%) Americans reported having to choose between getting mental health treatment and paying for daily necessities.
18% of Bartow County residents are uninsured which limits their ability to access needed mental health care.
For those insured, many low-premium insurance plans do not cover mental health services until the deductible is met -- often meaning the individual’s insurance will never pay for therapy.
Because many insurance companies have failed to increase their reimbursement rates for decades. Fewer and fewer mental health care professionals are accepting insurances, with other companies even cutting their reimbursement rates.
Georgia ranks among the lowest in terms of lacking an adequate number of providers, facilities, and funding to support the states’ populations.
MHI Values
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MHI recognizes that all individuals have different mental health needs, as well as personal and social resources to access quality mental health services. MHI believes that all individuals deserve access to the opportunities and resources necessary to achieve their mental health goals.
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MHI will serve those seeking mental health services, mental health providers, stakeholders, and the community-at-large with openness and honesty through communication, compensation, and transparency.
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MHI will create and maintain relationships with individuals seeking services, the community of mental health providers, contracted providers, and community stakeholders.
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MHI will honor individuals seeking services, the community of mental health providers, contracted providers, and community stakeholders with communication and practices focused on ethics, integrity, and transparency.
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MHI seeks to be accountable to stakeholders through ethical practices and documentation.
