Data Description: Individuals and families may face multiple barriers in accessing mental health care in Western North Carolina, particularly in rural communities. Barriers to accessing mental health care include limited mental health care facilities and practitioners in rural communities and stigma associated with mental health disorders. Access to mental health care can reduce the risk of suicide, substance misuse, employment challenges and other challenges.

Data Source: "Was there a time in the past 12 months when you needed mental health care or counseling, but did not get it at that time?" Western North Carolina Healthy Impact Initiative collects primary data across a 16 county region on this indicator as part of the regional community health assessment.    https://www.wnchn.org/wnc-data/regional-data/