Virtual Therapy Louisiana

Accessible Virtual Therapy for Louisiana Residents

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that about 838,000 Louisiana residents struggle with a mental health condition, including chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. This number is more than 3-times the population of Baton Rouge, the state’s second most populated city. Of added concern, is that about 215,000 Louisiana adults have a serious mental illness, and that nearly 17% of LA youth between the ages of 12-17 experience a major depressive episode each year. Furthermore, a recent study analyzed the best and worst states for mental health by evaluating data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and found that Louisiana is frequently listed as the 49th or 50th state for overall mental health and access to care. Without intervention, the state is headed for an especially challenging future when considering that 3 million Louisiana residents live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals. That‘s a startling 65% of the entire population.

“Approximately 65% of Louisiana‘s population lives in a community without adequate access to mental health support”

“Louisiana consistently ranks as the 49th or 50th state for overall mental health and access to care in the United States“

What’s the reason for the lack of adequate mental health support? Reports indicate that this is due to underfunding, the closure of state institutions leading to fragmented care, low Medicaid reimbursement rates disincentivizing providers, and general workforce challenges like attracting professionals to high-need rural areas. In response, Kindbridge Behavioral Health has stepped in. We have opened our virtual doors to “The Pelican State” with specialized counselors on standby to receive new clients.

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

Technology addiction is one of the fastest growing threats to public health in Louisiana. Problematic behavior regarding engagement with internet-enabled activities has compromised the wellbeing of vulnerable and at-risk residents. These issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: Research shows that 5.4% of Louisiana’s adult population is at risk for gambling addiction.
• Problematic use of pornography: As with problem gambling (above) National studies suggest that up to 7% of adults meet the criteria for problematic gambling behavior, which equates 252,000 LA residents.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.
• Unhealthy video gaming: National studies suggest around 3-5% of gamers experience issues with unhealthy gaming.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: National studies suggest that up to 16% of Americans struggle with unhealthy online shopping behavior. It’s estimated that 736,000 Louisianians may be affected, assuming the state mirrors national averages. 

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any Louisiana resident with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (everyone). Click or call to connect right now.

Successfully Treating Cooccurring Issues

A number of mental health concerns are comorbid with technology addictions. Whether you struggle with one or more of these as cooccurring (w/ problem tech use) issues or they are standalone concerns, we will help.

Anxiety	ADHD
Bipolar Disorder	Chronic Anger + Irritability
Depression	OCD
PTSD	Substance Use Disorder