Source: Mohammed Hassan / PixabayI recently presented a talk at a conference for North Carolina behavioral healthcare professionals about how North Carolina, like many states, is in the midst of a crisis in its mental healthcare system. Alternatives to the Emergency RoomA visit to the emergency room (ER) for a mental health crisis is a traumatic experience for many, in large part because ERs are not set up to treat mental health crises. ERs across the state have been overwhelmed by mental health patients in recent years. Mental Healthcare as Primary CareDue to a lack of psychiatrists in the state, primary care providers are seeing increased numbers of patients with mental health issues. The expansion of Medicaid will also increase the number of rural patients with health insurance, which will help financially sustain rural health practices.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 03, 2024 22:34 UTC