As we commemorated Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this past September, we were reminded of the vulnerabilities within our communities. The statistics are glaring: 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 (US National and State-Level Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders and Disparities of Mental Health Care Use in Children) and 1 in 5 U.S. adults (Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) experience a mental health disorder yearly. The signs of an ongoing mental health crisis have become increasingly evident in recent years, sadly extending their reach into the Sunshine State of Florida. While recognizing the importance of suicide prevention is vital throughout the year, September provides a dedicated moment to dismantle mental health stigma and confront this epidemic.
According to the latest research, our country is in the middle of a mental health pandemic. And our nation is not prepared. What we do here at Albizu University is cutting-edge work to address this crisis.
Florida’s mental health crisis
Florida’s Mental Health landscape, as depicted by Mental Health America’s 2022 findings, paints a troubling picture. The state ranks third in the nation for the prevalence of adult mental illness, with a staggering 2,903,000 adults grappling with mental health conditions. To offer perspective, this number is equivalent to six times the population of Miami. Considering The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) report that links 90% of suicides to individuals experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, it becomes evident that mental health challenges in Florida render its population susceptible to suicide and other common risk factors.
The deficit in treatment options and accessibility also raises significant concerns—over 63% of Florida adults who reported anxiety or depression did not receive counseling or therapy, and 22% disclosed that they could not access the treatment they desperately needed. While this gap in care stems from many reasons, common factors include a lack of or limited coverage of mental health services, a scarcity of available treatment options, and financial constraints, including the burden of copayments.
To make matters worse, Florida faces a shortage of mental health professionals available to meet pressing community demands. Designations as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) illuminate regions in dire need of healthcare professionals, and regrettably, Florida finds itself within this classification. The KFF (formally known as the Kaiser Family Foundation) reports that as of September 2022, only 21% of Florida’s mental health professional needs were met. The need for culturally competent mental health professionals has never been more pressing, with institutions like Albizu University assuming a pivotal role in the community by nurturing the mental health leaders of tomorrow who will confront these issues with compassion and empathy.
Adopting community-based solutions
The statistics mentioned above are alarming but serve as a call to action. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, communities can initiate crucial interventions. Communities can address this epidemic by:
- Increasing access to mental health services: This includes improving insurance coverage for mental health care, reducing financial barriers, and increasing the availability of mental health professionals and services such as Telehealth, particularly in underserved areas.
- Promoting mental health awareness and education: Comprehensive mental health education in schools and communities can help individuals recognize signs of mental health problems, seek help, and reduce stigma.
- Implementing early intervention and prevention strategies: Implementing mental health screening programs and support for at-risk populations can help identify and address mental health issues before they worsen.
- Nurturing community support networks: Developing strong, community-based mental health support networks, such as crisis hotlines, local organizations, clinics, and support groups, can provide immediate assistance and ongoing support to individuals in need.
As a mental health advocate, educator, and researcher, my commitment to bridging psychology with real-world concerns such as healthcare policy, social justice, and education has been a driving force in my work. My experience as founder and co-director of Cape Fear Clinic, a bilingual multi-disciplinary health center dedicated to serving low-income individuals and families, has given me firsthand insight into the transformative potential of culturally sensitive treatment approaches. Understanding the unique needs and backgrounds of individuals seeking mental health care is crucial in effecting lasting change.
Addressing the mental health crisis that looms over our nation starts right in our backyards—we must work collectively to ensure that all individuals in need have access to the care they require, particularly underserved and vulnerable populations. By advocating for proactive solutions and embracing compassion and empathy, we can bridge the gap in mental health care, empower the next generation of mental health leaders, and offer everyone the opportunity to lead healthier lives.
About Dr. Puente
Antonio Puente, Ph.D., was born in La Habana, Cuba, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1960. Puente received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He has taught at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) since 1981. Puente is the founding director of UNCW’s Centro Hispano, and his research focuses on the interface between culture and neuropsychology. Puente founded and edited the journals Neuropsychology Review and Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice and a neuropsychology book series. He has published ten books, 93 chapters, and 123 scientific articles in several languages. Dr. Puente is the keynote speaker for Albizu University’s 2023 Fall Commencement.
By: Dr. Antonio Puente, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, former president of the North Carolina Psychological Association, and keynote speaker for Albizu University’s 2023 Fall Commencement.
