Remove barriers to mental health care

Right now, more people than ever are recognizing they need mental health support. The problem is, even when they have insurance, many still cannot get care.

As a graduate social work student and a parent, this is something I see and think about often. We talk about expanded coverage as progress, but coverage does not guarantee treatment. High deductibles, limited provider networks, and long waitlists continue to create serious access disparities. People who are finally ready to ask for help are often met with delay, confusion or no available providers at all. For those living with serious mental illness, these barriers can quickly turn into crisis.

These challenges are even more pronounced in under-resourced communities, where options are limited, and wait times are longer. This is not just an individual struggle, it reflects how our system is set up. Access to care still depends heavily on income, location and how easily someone can navigate a complicated system.

At a time when so many people are already overwhelmed, we should not be making it harder to get help. If we are serious about improving mental health outcomes, we need to focus on access, not just coverage. Strengthening Medicaid, increasing provider participation and expanding availability are critical steps toward making care truly reachable.

Mental health care should be something people can actually receive, not just something they technically have.

Syada Ahmed

Glen Ellyn