The report details new policy solutions aimed at expanding access to care and providing early intervention services. While mental health and substance abuse disorders are recognized as a leading cause of disability, less than one-third of those adults with a mental disorder and less than half of those suffering from substance abuse will receive treatment. Barriers to treatment include the lack of health insurance coverage, the high cost of pharmaceuticals, and stigma surrounding mental health. Barriers to quality mental health care are exacerbated in vulnerable populations.
Ethnic minorities face both linguistic and cultural barriers to care.
Rural populations face additional obstacles with the scarcity of providers in rural areas. We must work together at the national and community levels to ensure that policies and health care programs for vulnerable populations do not overlook mental health care needs. The report makes several recommendations to improve access to mental health care, including significantly increasing mental health services targeted to children and adolescents. Recognizing and treating mental disorders at an early stage is critical to maintaining health. The report focuses on schools as a primary care setting and for active violence prevention programs.