Go ahead.  Google that.

Unfortunately, it is estimated one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness; 57.8 million in 2021 (source: NIMH).

For many, it must seem like living under Joe’s dark cloud.

For others, it may be a crisis.

Since July of 2022 there has been a 988 Suicide Crisis or Emotional Distress 24/7 Lifeline.  The Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in December ’22 included provisions for states to improve and coordinate 988 care.

Shame on me for only recently learning about this!!  (Am I the only one?)

As reported by the KFF (HERE), since the July 2022 launch, 988 has received almost 5 million contacts, of which nearly 1 million are from veterans!

But where do you turn when the issue is less urgent?

Guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (HERE) says step one is to contact your health insurer. With the advent of Telemedicine, you could be triaged to a mental health provider almost immediately.

BTW, Wisconsin ranks # 2 for adult mental health access. (Source: Mental Health America HERE.)

Anecdotally, that contradicts what I hear.

Unless the frustrated clients we hear from all live in under served rural areas.

Like Dogpatch!