What are the most common mental health disorders in Georgia?

In Georgia, like in many parts of the world, common mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. These conditions can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and they can have a significant impact on daily life and overall well-being. While these disorders may seem overwhelming, it's important to remember that with the right support and treatment, significant improvement and recovery are possible. If you're experiencing symptoms of any mental health issue, reaching out for help is a crucial first step towards living a brighter and healthier life.

How to find affordable therapy in Georgia?

Finding affordable therapy in Georgia is an important step in taking care of your mental health. One approach is to explore community mental health centers, local non-profit organizations, and university counseling centers that may offer sliding-scale fees or low-cost options based on income. Also, make sure to find a therapist who accepts your insurance, as that will drastically reduce the cost. With insurance, most therapy sessions only cost $30-$50. It’s important to find a therapist who suits your needs, as they can help you start feeling better faster. To be matched with a therapist that meeds your needs and accepts your insurance, reach out to Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy. Your mental health is valuable, and there are resources available to support you on your journey to wellness.

Do I need a therapist?

If you're finding it challenging to cope with daily life, experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelming stress, or if you're having difficulty managing your emotions, seeking the support of a therapist can make a meaningful difference. A therapist can offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change. Remember, the decision to seek therapy is a personal one, and it's a courageous step towards prioritizing your mental well-being. Whether it's for managing ongoing challenges, processing past experiences, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can be a valuable resource to help you live your brightest life.

Georgia Second to Last for Mental Health Care

According to a Forbes study, Georgia is the second to last worst state for mental health access and care. Georgia scored 91.7 out of 100, with 100 being the worst score for access to mental health care.

The results are spurred by a gap between the number of mental health care professionals in the field and the people who need care, as well as the lower rates of insurance holders and high rates of therapy in Georgia.

This article will explore why Georgia’s access to mental health care is so low and how you can find affordable, quality therapists in Georgia to meet your needs.

Access to Mental Health Therapy in Georgia

The study, done by Forbes, measured the access to mental health therapy. Overall, Georgia has a very high percentage of adults with mental illness who can’t access mental health therapy due to cost and/or a lack of insurance coverage.

This breakdown of the statistics are:

34.4% of adults struggling with their mental health could not see a doctor due to cost. This was the highest out of all states.
Only 10.05 per 10,000 businesses are mental health treatment centers, the 4th lowest.
17.4% of adults with a mental illness are uninsured, the 5th highest.
66.6% of youth with depression did not receive mental health services.
57.8% of adults with a mental illness did not receive any treatment.

Through these statistics we can see a pattern emerge: the biggest barrier to quality mental health services is the cost.

Although Georgia is working on reducing mental health costs by increasing the number of people who have insurance, developing school programs that connect kids with mental health care, and increasing the number of mental health professionals in their state, it can still be a challenge to find an affordable therapist in Georgia.

How can you receive quality, affordable mental health therapy in Georgia soon, so you can address your needs and start living brighter? We’ll discuss how below.

What does Georgia Struggle With?

Across the US, rates of mental illness have been increasing. As a whole, there have been increased rates in:

Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder have been reported to be on the rise in recent years, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Depressive Disorders: The prevalence of depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), has shown an upward trend, possibly due to various societal and environmental factors.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD diagnoses have been increasing, particularly among adults, indicating a growing awareness of this condition and its impact on daily functioning.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The prevalence of PTSD has been rising, possibly due to increased awareness, better diagnosis, and more individuals seeking help for trauma-related symptoms.
Substance Use: The rates of substance use are usually correlated with the rates of mental illness, because one often causes the other.

If you are struggling with your mental health, know that there are options out there for affordable therapy in Georgia.

In particular, Georgia’s youth mental health has struggled. Adolescents are experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal ideation without receiving proper treatment. Much of this disparity is due to the lack of teen therapists available in Georgia.

How to Find a Therapist in Georgia

Throughout the United States, but especially in Georgia, there is a shortage of mental health therapists who have room in their schedule to help people. The demand of people looking for mental health therapy in Georgia is much greater than the supply of new mental health graduates entering the field, so finding a therapist once you’ve decided to seek help is that much harder.

To help you find an affordable therapist in Georgia, here are seven steps:

Identify Your Needs: Start by reflecting on what you're looking for in a therapist. Consider your preferences, such as gender, therapy approach, specialties, and any specific issues you want to address in therapy. Also, ask yourself why you want to go to therapy. What are your goals for therapy? What do you hope to get out of it?
Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or your primary care physician for recommendations. They may be able to connect you with therapists they trust. People can waste hundreds of dollars bouncing from one therapist to another, so starting with one you know you can trust can be hugely beneficial to your mental and financial health.
Research Therapists: Take the time to research potential therapists. Look into their background, experience, and areas of expertise to ensure they align with your needs and goals. Also, don’t forget to look into therapist modality, specialty, and years of experience.
Contact Therapists: Reach out to the therapists you're interested in. You can schedule a phone call or initial consultation to ask about their approach to therapy, fees, availability, and how they can help you.
Consider Compatibility: It's crucial to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and supported. Building a strong client-therapist relationship is key to successful therapy outcomes.
Verify Credentials: Make sure the therapist you choose is licensed and in good standing. You can verify their credentials through the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts when choosing a therapist. If you feel a genuine connection and sense of trust with a therapist, it's likely a good fit for you.

Remember, finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and it's okay to take your time to find someone who aligns with your needs and values. Taking the step to seek therapy is a courageous choice that can lead you towards a brighter, healthier life.

You may also want to look into online therapy options. Online therapy is a more affordable, convenient way to receive all the benefits of in-person therapy. Because therapists don’t have to pay any overhead costs, and because you can search for therapists outside your immediate vicinity, online therapy can be an affordable, effective way to receive quality mental health care quickly.

At Lifebulb Counseling, we have online therapy throughout Georgia. Our Georgia therapists are licensed, qualified, and professional. We accept most major health insurances and can contact your insurance provider for you to get you the best rate. Call our team to learn more.

Talk to us