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We’ve seen a lot of progress around the country and right here in Texas when it comes to improving mental health. Slowly but surely, people are recognizing that mental illnesses – just like cancer or diabetes – are health problems that need treatment, not judgement. More and more Texans understand that mental illness is pervasive in our communities – one in five of us will have a mental health crisis in any given year. And more and more Texans are seeking the help they need and deserve.But with that progress comes a new challenge. All across Texas, there’s way more demand for mental health services than there is supply. This challenge looks a little different depending on where you are in Texas. In rural areas, there may not be care providers within a hundred miles. Big cities have more local providers, but the population is booming.?And as anyone from Houston or Dallas can tell you, a trip across the city is as bad as driving a hundred miles into the country. Over the past 50 years, our approach to mental health care has shifted from institutionalization to community-based, outpatient treatment. In Texas, our network of 39 Community Centers has ensured that every resident in every county has a local option for mental health services. Community Centers offer a variety of services to address needs such as help with early childhood intervention, intellectual developmental disabilities, substance use, mental and behavioral health, veteran’s services, crisis services and more. Over the years the number of people served by Community Centers has steadily increased. 20 years ago, for example, Andrews Center, served an average of XXXXX people per year. In 2015 we served XXXXXXX. As hard as we’re trying, we can’t keep up.In Texas, 185 of our 254 counties do not have a single working psychiatrist. That’s more than 70 percent! Across the state, there are 4.1 psychiatrists for every 1,000 patients, the fourth worst rate in the nation. There is a shortage of other mental health professionals, like counselors and nurse practitioners, as well. The bottom line is simple: We need more health care providers, and making that happen will require?some creativity and determination.Some rural areas are getting creative with technology, employing video conferencing equipment that connects psychiatrists in other cities to the rural clinics. This approach has made an incredible difference for Texans whose diagnoses require a licensed physician rather than a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. The State has also gotten creative with incentives for psychiatrists. Governor Greg Abbott has proposed extending loan forgiveness programs to mental health professionals (including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and advanced practice nurses) practicing in underserved areas such as rural communities. Qualifying practitioners who agree to work where they’re needed most could receive up to $160,000 in student loan forgiveness over four years. The 84th Texas Legislature appropriated more than $2 million to the program for the next two years. The loan forgiveness program is a step in the right direction for rural counties such as XXXX, and the Texas Legislature should be commended for seeking new and creative ideas. But we will need more – more money for loan forgiveness programs and more ideas like it in rural and urban areas – if we are to keep up with the growing mental health care needs of our fellow Texans.All of us, whether we’re urban or rural Texans, need to urge our state and federal officials know we need their help. Whether by phone call, letter or email, it is our responsibility to make sure our elected officials understand what we want them to prioritize. Our voice does matter, and for issues that enjoy bi-partisan support in Austin and Washington – like mental health care – our voice is critical. Write your legislators or call their local offices. Thank them for their good work on mental health care and ask them for more.Medical Association data: Repayment Program (application period closed): ................
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