Mental health in America has always been overlooked and underfunded.
It’s no different here in central Ohio. I started researching this article as a way to gather and provide resources for individuals who were experiencing mental health issues, searching for places they could seek immediate care.
After thoughtful and careful research, I found that there are few such places in the city. Aside from visiting an emergency room, there is just one place in the city that you can be seen on the same day for mental health issues.
Netcare Assesment Center
Netcare offers non-emergency walk-in alcohol, drug, and mental health assessments at 199 S. Central Avenue. Assessments are available from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In the midst of a more serious episode, Netcare offers Crisis Intervention Services. These services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. Services include:
According to Mental Health America of Franklin County, 1 in 4 Americans is affected by mental illness.
Mental illness is a large, umbrella term. From depression to anxiety, to more serious behavioral health issues, individuals impacted by our lack of mental health services are varied. They are teachers, lawyers, and doctors. They are high school students, homeless youth, and college graduates.
Mental illness doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor. It doesn’t care if you’re successful or struggling. Mental illness has touched the lives of most Americans, through their own experience, or the experiences of those around them.
For many seeking care, the issues aren’t just with facilities and access to treatment. Society’s reaction to mental illness is a major barrier for those trying to feel better.
What would happen if we talked about physical health the way we talk about mental health?
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But the support for individuals facing these illnesses is often lacking.
Resources provided by Mental Health America of Franklin County
If you’re feeling overlooked, please know that you’re not alone. Know that there are people out there, people who have walked the same path that you’re on now. Please utilize the resource directory of Mental Health America of Franklin County.
MHA of Franklin County provides a variety of services to the Franklin County community. From easily accessible online mental health screenings to support groups where you can speak with other individuals who understand what you’re going through to postpartum support for new moms, the programs are filling a pivotal role in our community.
If you need assistance and live outside of Franklin County, please call Mental Health America at 1-800-969-6642 or visit their website: www.mentalhealthamerica.net.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please consider reaching out to North Central Mental Health’s Suicide Hotline at (614) 221-5445, contact Netcare, or visit an emergency room.
