babsFTW

Why is it that despite the rising awareness of mental health issues in the country (I'm in US) is there such a lack of providers? Follow-up question: to the best of your knowledge is this true of other countries as well?

For example: I have two (that's right) health insurances. My primary covers mental health but there are only two providers in my entire state that are in network and neither are accepting new patients, and my secondary insurance doesn't cover mental health at all.

There seems to be so much awareness and yet not many options for actual treatment.

In the areas you've worked have you felt like there is a shortage of care providers? Or is it just more apparent in certain areas of the country. I've noticed there seems to be a lot of volunteers willing to help, but fewer people with the right qualifications.