According to the CDC and the NIMH, 20% of Americans over the age of 55 suffer from a mental illness, but nearly one in three do not receive treatment.
Most analysts agree that lack of access to mental health services is a major factor contributing to the alarmingly large percentage of seniors with mental illness that do not receive treatment.
Improving access for seniors to mental health services is simple.
Currently, Medicare does not reimburse for services provided by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors.
LCPCs are qualified to provide the services that seniors with mental illness need. Medicaid and private insurance companies recognize the qualifications and reimburse for the services of LCPCs.
There is no reason to limit seniors access to mental health services from LCPCs.