Posted by violette on December 22, 2010, at 21:18:22
In reply to Re: Has anyone else totaled up the cost?, posted by violette on December 22, 2010, at 20:29:43
I know 2 women in long term therapy who told me they go because they 'enjoy it', they like the attention etc. Their therapy-year after year-is paid mostly by health insurance dollars. One of the 2 (the same one who said she thinks she has never had depression before) says she doesn't want to stop going because she has a 'major crush' on her therapist. Great, enjoy, but maybe they should pay the full expense themselves? I suppose it would be difficult to determine whether or not if therapy is a health necessity for a person? I believe psychotherapy can benefit most people (it also can cause harm), but so can Swedish massages, spas, and golf club memberships.
Many children, and their parents, who experience trauma or need treatment are not low income, but I've heard time and time again:
"Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to childrens well-being.Research also shows that the younger children are when they experience trauma, the more vulnerable they are to its effects on brain development. 4"
http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html
"Age of the first episode of maltreatment is associated with mental health problems in adulthood. For example, maltreatment at age 2 to 5 has been linked with anti-social personality disorder by age 29. Younger ages of onset (birth to 2) were associated with depression and other internalizing disorders by age 40."
I think it's alarming that so many people go without treatment. It's also probably true that even if some had the option, they might not pursue mental health treatment.
It is very expensive. I don't understand how we can spend $100s of thousands on therapy for my coworker and friend, while so many continue to suffer....a person has to be well to work and have decent health insurance. Last I heard, the Health Reform bill was struck down by a state court. I wouldn't be suprised if it ends up in the Supreme Court.
It's sad, so sad...it's sickening that kids don't end up getting any treatment until they go to prison.
"Many children and youth experience trauma. Depending on their circumstance, between 25-90 percent of children and youth experience events that leave them traumatized. 5 They include:
- Up to 50 percent of children and youth in child welfare 6
- Between 60 to 90 percent of youth in juvenile justice 7
- Between 83-91 percent of children and youth in neighborhoods with high levels of violent crime 8
- Between 59 to 91 percent of children and youth in the community mental health system 9Childrens Mental Health
A major determinant of outcomes for children, youth, and their families is their mental health. Low-income children, youth, and their families are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, impairing the ability of children and youth to succeed in school and placing them at risk of involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice agencies
Child Poverty
Nearly 15 million children in the United States 21% of all children live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level $22,050 a year for a family of four. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice that level to cover basic expenses. Using this standard, 42% of children live in low-income families.
Most of these children have parents who work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. Poverty can impede childrens ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor health and mental health. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty.
Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to childrens well-being. But effective public policies to make work pay for low-income parents and to provide high-quality early care and learning experiences for their children can make a difference. Investments in the most vulnerable children are also critical.
Traumas Impact
Trauma can result in long- and short-term problems. Research suggests that these can include physical and emotional health conditions and put those exposed to trauma at increased risk for chronic ill health and premature death. 1 For children and youth, in addition to health problems, other consequences of trauma include difficulties with learning, ongoing behavior problems, impaired relationships and poor social and emotional competence. 2 Children and youth exposed to trauma, especially violence, experience more learning and academic difficulties and behavioral and mood-related problems. 3 Research also shows that the younger children are when they experience trauma, the more vulnerable they are to its effects on brain development. 4"
poster:violette
thread:974247
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20101115/msgs/974338.html