Stigma, fear, and other roadblocks to psychiatric care

If you’ve decided to seek psychiatric care, you’ve taken an important step toward strengthening your mental health. However, sometimes, the right help can be hard to find. For example, widespread provider shortages can make it difficult to find a psychiatrist in your geographic area. But even when treatment is accessible, there can be other roadblocks to finding the right support for your needs. 

Many people say that fear and stigma keep them from getting psychiatric care. In a recent survey of over 45,000 people, 13% of respondents said they didn’t seek professional help because they were scared to take medication. In the same survey, almost one-quarter of respondents cited stigma as the reason they chose to manage their mental health on their own as opposed to seeking treatment. 

If you, like many other people, are worried about seeking psychiatric care, know that you can manage your fears with the right support. Learning more about the common barriers listed below can empower you to seek the support you deserve.

A lack of confidence in providers

In the U.S., approximately 37% of people say a lack of confidence in mental health treatment deters them from seeking psychiatric care. In other words, many people fear that psychiatric services simply won’t work for them. This might stem from a negative past experience or a lack of information about treatment options. 

Working with a provider who makes you feel seen and heard and invites you into the treatment planning process can help you overcome this challenge.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

Fears of stigma 

We’re fortunate to live in a time when more people are comfortable discussing mental health and there’s less shame associated with asking for help. But that doesn’t mean the stigma around psychiatric care has completely disappeared. 

If you’re worried that seeking treatment might cause you to be perceived as weak or damaged, you’re not alone. You can combat stigma by challenging it, even just within yourself. Remind yourself that everyone has their challenges, and seeking support is a sign of strength.

The high cost of care 

About 25% of people in the U.S. cite affordability as a major barrier to mental healthcare. This statistic drops considerably in countries like the U.K., where residents have access to universal healthcare. 

If you’re worried about paying for psychiatric services, take some time to understand your insurance coverage so you can maximize your mental health benefits. If you don’t have access to health insurance, research local options for reduced-cost or sliding-scale services. Reduced-cost mental health services may be available at your local mental health community center. 

Medication and side effects worries 

Psychiatric care isn’t an exact science. So, understandably, you might have some worries about starting a new medication.There’s no perfect formula that’s right for everyone, and it might take some trial and error to find the right combination of therapy and medication for your needs. 

If you’re hesitant to take medication or are worried about side effects, don’t be afraid to inform your psychiatric provider. Let your provider know if you had negative experiences with medication in the past. You can also ask questions about why a provider is recommending a specific medication or dose. Remember, you deserve to know what you’re putting into your body (and why), and you can always request a change if something isn’t working.

Difficulty navigating the system

Experts frequently cite the benefits of integrated or comprehensive psychiatric care. With this treatment model, your psychiatric provider will work closely with other members of your healthcare team, like your primary care physician and therapist, to promote positive outcomes. But this type of care can be difficult to access if you don’t know what kind of help to seek or lack knowledge of available resources.

If you’re having trouble navigating the mental health system, talk to your primary care physician or another member of your care team. They can usually provide a referral to a psychiatric provider or other mental health professional, like a therapist.

Providers who don’t accept insurance

A recent report found that approximately 45% of psychiatrists don’t accept insurance. So, even if you have insurance coverage, you may still face high out-of-pocket costs. 

If you’re having trouble finding an in-network psychiatrist in your area, consider telehealth. These platforms make it easier to access support from a provider who may be in your network even if they’re not in your immediate geographic area.

Find care with Rula

Effective psychiatric care can be a lifesaving experience. But there are many reasons why it can be difficult to access. Provider shortages, fears about medication, and stigma are just a few of the most common roadblocks to mental healthcare. Understanding these barriers and exploring ways to overcome them can help you get the psychiatric support you deserve.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Find a provider with Rula