Mental Health
Mapping Mental Health Care Access in Houston's Underserved Areas
Researchers at the University of Houston are examining the issue of "mental health deserts" in Houston, where 39 out of 96 zip codes lack adequate mental health care providers. This shortage primarily affects areas like the Fifth Ward and Sunnyside, which are predominantly Black communities.
Disparities in Mental Health Care Access
The affected zip codes are largely classified as "distressed," reflecting broader socioeconomic challenges. The demand for mental health services in these areas is increasing, highlighting the disparities in access to care. Residents in these communities express a strong desire for mental health services, yet the closest providers can be 20 miles away, posing a significant transportation barrier.
The research draws parallels with the concept of food deserts, applying similar barriers to mental health care access. Just as fresh food is hard to come by in certain neighborhoods, so too is mental health care. This issue is not isolated to urban areas; 248 of Texas' 254 counties are designated as shortage areas for mental health services.
Framework and Partnerships
The researchers aim to create a framework that will assist policymakers in addressing these shortages. In partnership with Harris County, detailed maps are being developed to better understand and tackle the problem. The initiative stems from the foundation of CHAMP, an organization established in 2019 following the tragic murder of Atatiana Jefferson.
CHAMP, which became a nonprofit in 2021, targets youth impacted by gun violence and abuse. It offers counseling sessions conducted by master's-level graduate students under the supervision of Lachelle Goodrich, a licensed counselor. After eight sessions, participants are referred to further services as needed.
Mobile Mental Wellness Program
In December 2023, CHAMP proposed a mobile mental wellness program to improve access to care. A 24-foot trailer was purchased to serve as a mobile unit, officially launched in September 2023. The program focuses on zip codes 76104, 76105, and 76116, which are low-income neighborhoods with limited access to mental health care.
This initiative helps children in these areas develop conflict resolution skills, addressing the broader issue of mental health in communities of color. Nationally, 76% of adults with substance use disorders remain untreated due to barriers such as stigma and fear of involuntary commitment.
Socioeconomic Barriers and Solutions
Socioeconomic factors, including unstable housing, significantly impact access to mental health care. Housing instability disrupts medication adherence, and in rural counties, mental health outcomes tend to be worse due to the uneven distribution of providers. Access to care remains a critical issue, compounded by the separation of substance use treatment from mental health services.
Stable housing is crucial for consistent treatment, yet medication access remains a challenge. Outpatient pharmacies are often unavailable in treatment facilities, requiring patients to secure medications prior to gaining shelter admission.
The efforts in Houston aim to address these barriers and improve access to mental health care in underserved areas. By identifying and mapping mental health deserts, the partnership between the University of Houston and Harris County seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers and community leaders.
“Patients must have meds before shelter admission”—highlighting the critical need for integrated care solutions that address both housing and healthcare access.