Numerous barriers stand between people and better mental health.

Stigma. Location. Accessibility.

However, the biggest may be poverty. Even though poor mental health can impact anyone, the numbers skew towards those in poverty. 8.7% of adults who live below the poverty line face serious psychological distress. This is considerably higher than the 1.2% of adults who are at or above 400% of the poverty line.

A vicious cycle can also develop.

People who struggle with their mental health may find it difficult to both get and keep a job. This can cause things like shelter, food, and childcare to become a daily struggle. 

But the inverse is also true. Individuals who lack financial stability day after day after day may develop mental health obstacles. Research shows that people living in poverty are nearly twice as likely to experience depression.

Regardless of the starting point, a lack of money prevents many people from getting the help they need. And we believe that is unacceptable.

How Headwaters Counseling Makes Professional Help More Accessible

Mental health services should not be limited just to people who can afford the high price tag. To make professional help more equitable, here are six ways we are helping break down the barriers of poverty:

We Offer Tele-Therapy Services

This alternative to traditional, in-person counseling is a more affordable option. It also removes the time and financial burden necessary to travel to our office.

We Are Centrally Located In Fort Wayne

Our downtown office is conveniently located on the city bus route. Many of our clients also live within walking distance.

We Ask For Donations

Whether it’s through monthly donations or AmazonSmile, we receive contributions that help offset some of our costs. This allows us to offer less expensive services to the unemployed and underemployed in our community.

We Have Flexible Financing

For individuals with insurance, their providers determine the out-of-pocket cost. However, if you do not have insurance, we offer a copay that is based on your income and household size.

We Offer OUTREACH Services

Whenever possible, we spend time out in the community and offer counseling at other facilities. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us.

We Keep Our Promises

You can find a list of promises that we make and keep. Among them is our guarantee that we will not deny services based on an individual inability to pay.

Headwaters Counseling is a not-for-profit counseling agency here in Fort Wayne. We provide outpatient counseling services for people who have behavioral health needs or are at risk of harmful involvement with alcohol or other drugs.