Three-quarters of Americans think the nation’s health care system treats mental health care with less importance than physical care, according to a study released Tuesday.
The telephone poll conducted for the newly formed Kennedy Center for Mental Health Policy and Research also found that most people believe the mental health system needs “radical” or “significant” change.
The results, released at a forum in Washington, D.C., showed nearly everyone — 96 percent of people polled — believes mental health conditions are a serious public health problem in the United States.
Women, more than men, and Democrats, more than Republicans or Independents, are more concerned about mental health issues, the poll by Public ap Strategies found.
Key concerns for people include inadequate treatment options, lack of funding and stigma associated with mental illness. Those surveyed also mentioned the need for more training so doctors can identify mental health issues sooner.
Of those surveyed, 10 percent had received mental health treatment and 16 percent reported someone in their family had received counseling, hospitalization or prescription medication for mental health conditions.
The survey was conducted in January. The new research center, also announced Tuesday, will be housed at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Jennifer Brown: 303-954-1593, jenbrown@denverpost.com or
