A Kaiser Family Foundation state indicator reveals that nearly 50% of Americans live in a Mental Health Provider Shortage Area (MHPSA). Access to mental health services is essential for better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs and better quality of life. However, due to provider shortages, inconvenience and other personal deterrents, adults are not getting the care they need.
With virtual primary care and virtual mental health solutions, patients get easier access to the care they need. Visits can occur wherever is most convenient for the patient. It can be provided to employees at little-to-no cost, reduce care barriers and increase access equity.
What is a Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA)?
A designated MHPSA indicates an inadequate number of mental health providers for population groups (a patient to provider ratio of 30,000:1 or 20,000:1 in high-need areas). These designations consider the healthcare needs within the populations relative to the number of providers available.
Here are the 10 states that could use virtual primary care and virtual mental health the most based on the population sizes living in MHPSAs (as of April of 2024):
- Texas: Over 13 million live in a designated MHPSA – almost 1 in 2 adults.
- California: Currently, almost 11 million live in a designated MHPSA – over 1 in 4 adults.
- Florida: About 7.8 million live in a designated MHPSA – more than 1 in 3 adults.
- Illinois: About 6.5 million live in a designated MHPSA – over 1 in 2 adults.
- Indiana: Over 5 million live in a designated MHPSA – almost the entire state population.
- Georgia: More than 5 million live in a designated MHPSA – almost 1 in 2 adults.
- Ohio: Nearly 5 million live in a designated MHPSA – almost 1 in 2 adults.
- Michigan: More than 3.6 million live in a designated MHPSA – more than 1 in 3 adults.
- New York: More than 3.6 million live in a designated MHPSA – almost 1 in 5 adults.
- North Carolina: More than 3.5 million live in a designated MHPSA – more than 1 in 3 adults.
First Stop Health Virtual Care
First Stop Health virtual care solutions are comprised of Primary Care, Urgent Care and Mental Health, and deliver patient-first care to members where and when they need it. Primary Care connects members to doctors in less than 5 days on average. It consists of urgent, preventive and chronic care to help coordinate and manage the many touchpoints of members’ healthcare journeys. With Urgent Care, members have access to 24/7 urgent care for episodic health concerns. Mental Health provides counseling to members, and in conjunction with Primary Care guidance and medication management, leads to better whole-person health. Our digital-first approach expands access to healthcare for our members and provides care that people love.®
Mental Health
Mental Health fosters a compassionate environment, improving overall productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction while supporting employees' unique mental health needs
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