The Mental Health Needs of People with Disabilities Fall Victim to the Money Game, by Jason Hahr

Mental health is as important as physical health, but the way we treat people’s mental health needs in the United States, you wouldn’t think that we value mental health. A disturbing study that came out last summer in the Journal of JAMA highlights the poor standing of mental health in our society. The study focused on people who are on Medicaid, i.e., low-income or those with disabilities. While the study found that there were clinicians who “accepted” Medicaid, it found that in the five cities studied, only 15% of providers who were accepting Medicaid were available for appointments.

This is not only sad but ridiculous. I am going to open up for a minute and let my readers know that I take advantage of psychiatric and counseling services. I think everyone should do so, especially with all the garbage that life, the universe, and other humans throw at us. I have been using psychiatric services since the age of 18. Let’s just say I wasn’t always as okay with my disability or other aspects of myself as I am now. Indeed, I still rely on therapy sessions and mild medication to control my depression. The problem arises when one has to rely on government programs to pay for these services.

The study I mentioned above was only a small study, but it highlights a crucial issue within the disability community overall and an issue I can relate to personally. Right now, I see my psychiatrist about every two to three months because that is all that is available, and currently, I am waiting to get back into counseling. Still, it seems as if money is more of a concern than mental health because I have Medicare and Medicaid. In my opinion, providers of these crucial services are more concerned with the bottom line than with helping their clients.

Overall, I believe the mental health system in this country needs to be overhauled in general. Instead of “committing people to hospitals” if they are having a depressive episode, might I suggest finding out why they are depressed instead of locking them away and drugging them up, as if that will fix the problem? Just food for thought. Okay, so I know this blog isn’t my insightful, usual material, but the issue of mental health in humanity and particularly in the United States needs to be called out for what it is. Several months ago, my friend Gizelle wrote a blog about depression, which I will link here. The experience she and I have had with the mental health system is not unique. Until we overhaul the system and start valuing people over money, I’m afraid nothing will change.

Until next time, your friendly neighborhood, skeptical and disappointed super advocate, Jay.

Gizelle’s Blog: https://thevoicelssminority.blogspot.com/2025/01/not-all-disabilities-are-visible-by_30.html