Definition
Story Behind the Curve
According to County Health Rankings, as of 2014, there were 22 mental health providers in Logan County. The updated 2019 data shows an increase in mental health providers, at 56.
Access to care requires not only financial coverage, but also access to providers. Thirty percent of the population lives in a county designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. As the mental health parity aspects of the Affordable Care Act create increased coverage for mental health services, many anticipate increased workforce shortages.
Action Plan
Evidence-Based Strategies:
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs):
Increase support for non-profit health care organizations and deliver comprehensive care to uninsured, underinsured, and vulnerable patients regardless of ability to pay; often called community health centers (CHCs).
Medical Homes:
Provide continuous, comprehensive, whole person primary care that uses a coordinated team of medical providers across the health care system.
Mental Health Benefits Legislation:
Regulate mental health insurance to increase access to mental health services, including treatment for substance use disorders.
School-based health centers:
Provide health care services on school premises to attending elementary, middle, and high school students; services provided by teams of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician.
Telemedicine:
Deliver consultative, diagnostic, and treatment services remotely for patients who live in areas with limited access to care or would benefit from frequent monitoring; also called telehealth.