There is An Enormous Need for No-Cost Counseling in Michigan

We are only just beginning to see the toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on Michigan’s mental well-being. On top of this crisis, Michigan has long-struggled to meet the rapidly growing demand for mental health services. For example:

• Michigan ranked 17th overall nationally and received a failing grade for mental health parity from the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity.

• The mitten state also ranks 23rd for the adult rate of suicidal thoughts.

• According to 2019 research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 1.3 million adult Michiganders have a mental health condition. About 38 percent of these individuals are not receiving care.

• Nearly one in five Michigan youth have at least one mental health condition, and fewer than half have been able to access care.

Mental healthcare for Michiganders is often difficult to find and expensive to pay for—there is a shortage of mental health professionals across the state, especially in rural areas. As of 2019, Michigan ranks third in the shortage of mental healthcare professionals, surpassed only by Texas and California. Many individuals still cannot afford or find covered treatment. Fifty-three percent of those with mental health needs were unable to afford treatment with their insurance coverage. Those searching for special treatment, such as Biblical Counseling, are even less likely to find the services they require.

Addressing the mental health needs of Michigan requires expanding access to care on many fronts. At Beacon of Hope, we’re addressing Michiganders mental health needs by offering barrier-free, no-cost counseling provided by Masters-level and state-licensed therapists.

Learn more about why we do this and what services we offer.