| Area’s Only Pro Bono Counseling Program Offers Free Services
During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Traci Patterson
Director of Communications
tpatterson@mhahouston.org
713-523-8963 x 476
Houston, TX (July 14, 2010) - In Harris County, nearly 552,000 adults and 84,000 children live with a mental illness. Mental illnesses can affect anyone at anytime, regardless of ethnic background, gender or income. For many years, the Surgeon General has warned that minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for mental illness, have less access to mental health services, often receive poorer quality health care and are underrepresented in mental health research.
“One out of every four individuals has a mental health problem and all of us are touched by these illnesses in one way or another,” said MHA Vice President, Susan Fordice. “You may have an illness, have a loved one with an illness or know someone who is ill. Untreated or under-treated mental illness causes significant, unnecessary suffering for individuals, their families and communities and it can have negative implications, such as economic loss, homelessness, increased juvenile and adult criminal justice system involvement and about a 25-year decrease in life expectancy.”
In a continuing effort to reduce health disparities in Houston and Harris County, Mental Health America of Greater Houston is offering minorities and others who need counseling greater access to mental health services through its Pro Bono Counseling Program. This free service connects individuals and families who are unable to afford services, with counseling at no charge. Therapists in the program are licensed and located throughout the Greater Houston area. For individuals who are able to afford a nominal fee, Mental Health America of Greater Houston also offers information and referrals to providers that offer counseling with fees based on a sliding scale according to an individual’s income.
Mental illnesses, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and eating disorders, are among the most common conditions affecting health today, according to national experts. While minorities have similar rates of mental illness as the Caucasian population, they experience steep barriers to treatment and often receive poorer quality of care.
Cultural differences and lack of information about mental health result in greater levels of stigma associated with mental illness. This causes many people to avoid accessing and adhering to treatment. Minorities also may encounter multiple barriers to treatment, including language and cultural barriers, a fragmented mental health system, no health insurance and a shortage of bilingual mental health providers. Unfortunately, these and other conditions lead to significant disparities in access and quality of care for minorities with mental illness.
An important message during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is that recovery is possible. “While mental illness can disrupt your life, there are resources, treatments and supports that can help you live a full and meaningful life,” said Fordice. “The key is to get help and support.”
To receive more information on mental illnesses or to get counseling at no cost contact the MHA Pro Bono Counseling Program at 713-522-5161 or visit online at www.mhahouston.org.
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