By: John Glover (MBA)

In a study done by Forbes earlier in May of 2024, they used seven metrics to determine the quality of states’ mental health care services. Georgia ranked second to last, better than only Texas by a few points. 

Although this study is only one way to ascertain the quality of mental health in a state—and this one predominantly looked at how accessible quality mental health care services are—it can still tell about the state of Georgia’s mental health care and what can be done to improve it. 

The Study 

Forbes ranked states across seven factors:

• Percentage of adults with a mental illness who do not receive treatment
• Percentage of adults with a mental illness who do not receive adequate treatment
• Percentage of adults who are struggling with mental health and could not see a doctor due to cost:
• Percentage of youth with depression who do not receive mental health services
• Percentage of adults with a mental illness who are uninsured
• Percentage of youth with private health insurance that does not cover mental or emotional problems
• Number of mental health treatment centers per 10,000 businesses

Of those studies, Georgia’s stats were:

• 34.4% of adults struggling with their mental health could not see a therapist due to cost (the highest in the US)
• 17.4% of adults with a mental illness are uninsured (the fifth highest in the US)
• 66.6% of youth with depression don’t receive mental health services. 
• 57.8% of adults with mental health issues receive no treatment at all. 

Why is Georgia Mental Health Care Inaccessible 

There are two primary reasons so many Georgians are struggling to have their needs met: the cost of healthcare and long wait times. 

Even those who have good insurance and are able to afford weekly therapy sessions, too many licensed therapists are booked upwards of months in advance. Waiting for anything is awful, but waiting for mental health care while you’re actively struggling can feel like an impossible battle. 

When people need it, mental health care should be there. 

The Solution: Online Therapy and Accessible Rates

One solution many states are taking is increasing the awareness surrounding virtual therapy. Online therapy, or teletherapy, is a way to cut down on costs by avoiding paying overhead office fees, the commute, and child care. Because online therapy is cheaper for Georgia therapists, it is cheaper for clients, too. 

Studies have shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. For some people it can be more effective. 

Online therapy also allows you to connect to therapists from across Georgia, so you’re not limited to the handful in your town or neighborhood. This means you can be more picky about who you choose, form a stronger client-therapist relationship, and ultimately receive higher-quality therapy from it. 

Some companies, like Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy, focus on vetting therapists before they hire them so they know they are providing their clients with only the best. 

“At Lifebulb, our therapists are the heart and soul of our organization,” the CEO of Lifebulb states. “We are deeply committed to creating an environment where they can thrive, grow, and provide the highest quality care to our clients. We believe that by investing in our therapists, we are investing in the well-being and happiness of those we serve.”

Lifebulb Counseling handles all the office aspects of therapy like billing, scheduling, and insurance, so that therapists can focus on what matters most: providing quality therapy. Lifebulb also believes in making the experience easier for their clients, by making it easy to cancel, reschedule, or switch therapists. 

Lifebulb has in-person offices throughout Georgia and is available everywhere in Georgia as online therapy.

Published By: Aize Perez