As of 2024, only about 50% of people experiencing mental health conditions — and 70% of those with a severe mental illness — received care. Both systemic issues and individual circumstances contribute to this significant care gap. Racial and ethnic disparities, cultural stigma, provider shortages, and lack of funds or insurance are just a few examples.Many people don’t realize that mental health medications can be prescribed by professionals other than psychiatrists, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Racial identity and age are two significant factors that affect a person’s experience seeking mental health care. Nonwhite individuals face more obstacles accessing care, experience more difficulties during crises, and are less likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance with mental health benefits. Younger people may be more open to exploring mental health care than older generations. However, some still worry that they may be judged differently by their friends and family. Young people may also have a harder time navigating the system and paying for treatment. 

All of this points to a need for more representative, culturally competent mental health care. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common barriers to effective care and talk about how virtual medication management can help.

5 barriers to mental health care (and how virtual medication management helps overcome them)

The mental healthcare landscape looks different to each person. Options may be limited based on one’s income, insurance plan, job, location, identity, and medical/psychiatric conditions, among other factors. 

The following are five common barriers to seeking mental health care:

• The financial barrier: out-of-network costs 

Though laws require insurance companies to cover mental health care at the same rate as other medical services, many people still aren’t able to use their insurance because very few psychiatrists are in these networks. Out-of-network and out-of-pocket costs are too high for most people. 

Virtual medication management connects people to qualified care providers they can afford. You can narrow your search based on your insurance plan or your budget. 

• Access and availability challenges

Along with high costs for consumers, limited industry funding and staff shortages mean that there aren’t enough providers in many places to meet the demand. Depending on where you live, there may be long waitlists or a lack of specialized care. The process of finding an accessible provider can be confusing and complex. Seeking care without help is especially difficult, and many people don’t know who they can turn to. 

Virtual medication management eases the mental burden of researching provider locations and opens up more possibilities within your state. A virtual platform narrows down your search based on your needs, and care navigators are available to help walk you through each step. 

• Systemic biases toward racial and ethnic minorities

Nonwhite people are more likely to face longer wait times or other challenges when seeking care, including being denied treatment. Systemic biases and individual provider biases can both affect their experiences. According to one study, 18.1% of white adults between the ages of 26 and 34 were able to access mental health services from a qualified provider. In contrast, only 8.5% of Black, 5.1% of Asian and 6.6% of Hispanic adults in the same age range received care. The disparities persisted regardless of insurance status.

• Cultural and community expectations 

Stigma isn’t just an abstract social problem. It’s often the first wall someone hits when they consider getting help. That wall can look very different depending on where you stand. For example, in some cultures, it’s more acceptable to seek religious guidance than mental health care. Even when people are aware of a mental health condition and its likely causes, they may still prefer to talk with a spiritual leader or join a faith-based group.

Mental health treatment and religious activities both have benefits. It’s not just fear of judgment, but a lack of culturally relevant care that keeps people from pursuing professional help. Our clinical team at ReKlame Health is dedicated to providing services that reflect the diversity of our community. 

Virtual care also protects privacy. You don’t have to worry about being seen at a clinic, and providers follow strict confidentiality rules.

• Time and scheduling constraints

Working a full-time job or multiple jobs and raising a family doesn’t leave much time for treatment. Virtual appointments are flexible and easy to schedule. They also save you time and money since there is no commute involved.

ReKlame Health provides personalized virtual medication management designed to seamlessly fit your lifestyle and meet your unique needs.

This isn’t a full list of obstacles you may face when trying to find effective care. Navigating mental health care isn’t easy. Here’s the good news: there are solutions, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. 

At ReKlame Health, each member works with a Care Navigator who supports them every step of the way. Care Navigators connect members with resources for food, housing, therapy, and other medical services.

With the right help, you can improve your mental health. You can schedule an appointment with ReKlame in less than 48 hours. Here’s how to join.