Four in 10 community survey respondents who needed mental health care services did not get them. The most common reported reasons for not getting needed mental health care were that community members were not able to find accessible providers, costs were prohibitive, and respondents didn’t know where to find help. Relatedly, more than 4 in 10 respondents who needed services to address substance use did not get them.

In community member focus groups, mental health was highlighted as a critical component of overall well-being, with the lack of access to mental health resources being a significant concern. Additionally, participants highlighted the need for more accessible and affordable mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups; stigma surrounding mental health issues that prevent people from seeking help, especially in certain communities and professions like the military; and the complexities of navigating the mental health services system.

Community partners emphasized the need for accessible and culturally competent mental health services. Partner input focused on providing more accessible and culturally competent mental health services, especially for populations that have been underserved, such as LGBTQIA+ youth, postpartum women, and trauma-affected adolescents. They also noted that provider shortages, language, culture, distrust of the medical system, and a need for more education and de-stigmatization around mental health prevent residents from accessing services.

A more detailed summary of the partner conversation on Behavioral Health can be found in the 2025 CHNA.

Key Resources:

Session 1: 

• VCCHIC CHIS Behavioral Health Session Data Slides
• Meeting Summary Session 1

Session 2: 

• Evidence Based Practices – Behavioral Health
• Behavioral Health – CHNA Community Input
• Meeting Summary Session 2

Session 3: 

• VCCHIC Goals for 2026-28 CHIS