Online Behavioral Health Services in New Mexico

Accessible Virtual Therapy for New Mexico Residents

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that well over 400,000 New Mexico residents struggle with a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression. This number is more than 4-times the population of the state’s capital city of Santa Fe. Of particular concern, is that about one-quarter of New Mexico adults have a serious mental illness, and that 40,000 of NM’s adolescents experience a major depressive episode each year. The table is set for a more troubling future when considering that 1.3 million New Mexico residents live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals to fill the demand for help. What’s the reason for this lack of resources? Reports suggest that this is due to low provider pay (namely at a Master’s level), high malpractice insurance costs which deterrs new providers, limited economic opportunities in the state, systemic issues like underfunding and fragmented services, in addition to burnout. Yes, mental health professionals in NM need access to mental health support too. All of this is compounded by high patient need from high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These factors make recruiting and retaining therapists challenging, leaving vast areas in New Mexico, particularly rural ones, underserved. In response, Kindbridge Behavioral Health has opened its virtual doors to the “Land of Enchantment”. Counselors are on standby right now to provide support.

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

A new threat to public health has infiltrated New Mexico over the last decade. Problematic behavior regarding engagement with web-enabled activities has compromised the wellbeing of vulnerable residents. These issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: While the issue impacts the general population, the state is headed into more concerning waters with data indicating that 4% of NM’s high-school males already screening positive for problem gambling.
• Problematic use of pornography: National studies suggest that nearly 115,000 adult residents in New Mexico struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with porn.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.
• Unhealthy video gaming: A University of New Mexico study indicates that 6% to 15% of New Mexico gamers displayed signs of video gaming related technology addiction.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: National studies suggest that up to 16% of Americans struggle with unhealthy online shopping behavior.

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any New Mexico 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