Therapists in Gaithersburg, MD and Nearby Locations
Find a therapist in Gaithersburg, Maryland that meets your needs. Browse our comprehensive list of affordable and licensed therapists in Gaithersburg to find a professional specializing in counseling people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and more.
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An Overview of Mental Health in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Gaithersburg, Maryland is beautifully lush, bustling city located in the heart of Montgomery County. The city’s 68,710 residents represent many different ethnic backgrounds with 35 percent of the community being white alone, 25.8 percent being Hispanic, 18 percent being African American, and 18 percent being Asian. Notably, the geography and diversity of the city is affected by Interstate 270 which splits Gaithersburg into east and west sections. While the east section includes the more historic buildings, the Olde Town district, and the Lakeforest Mall, the west section features residential areas with newer homes and the popular Washingtonian Center for shopping.
In many ways, Gaithersburg is a thriving community full of plenty of work opportunities for its residents. The National Institute of Standards and Technology and MedImmune are the top employers in the city. A median household income of $85,773 is higher than the median income in both Maryland and the United States. The city also has lower than average poverty rates with 9.5 percent of the community living below the poverty line. In addition 52.2 percent of people are home owners. Part of the city’s financial success can be linked to their higher than average rate of college graduates. Over half of Gaithersburg’s residents have a bachelor’s degree and many go on to receive a graduate degree.
While financial stability and a beautiful environment makes Gaithersburg an amazing place to live, every city has residents who struggle. Mental illnesses such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders can affect anyone and make life extremely difficult to manage. If you or a loved in Gaithersburg are dealing with a mental health concern, it is important that you know you are not alone and that resources are available to help you get your life back.
Mental Health Statistics in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Residents in Gaithersburg, Maryland face mental health issues that are unique to their community. Here are some important statistics on the state of mental health in the city.
Minorities
While residents of Gaithersburg are doing well financially overall, there are some minority groups that struggle more than others. Notably, those who identify as an “other” race experience the most poverty with 24.65 percent of individuals living below the poverty line. For those who identify with one of the listed races, Hispanics have the highest poverty rate at 16.94 percent. They also have the lowest high school graduation rate at 59.40 percent.
Both poverty and dropping out of high school has a negative impact on one’s mental and physical health. In addition, youths who struggle with a mental illness may have more difficulty succeeding in school or staying motivated, which can result in them not finishing school. Unemployment and unhealthy behaviors and eating habits are also higher among high school drop outs.
Suicide
Like most of the United States, Maryland has seen an increase in suicide deaths since 2012. However, Maryland consistently has suicide rates below the national average. In addition, Montgomery has a suicide rate of 6.46, the second lowest suicide rate out of every other county in Maryland. Although these statistics are great news for the residents of Gaithersburg, it is important the risk of suicide is still taken seriously since suicide is a leading cause of death for college students and young adults.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a huge issue for the state of Maryland. In fact, the state ranks in the top five for having the highest rate of opioid-related overdose deaths. Fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids are often to blame for these deaths. Unfortunately, these rates are not showing any signs of dropping. Rather, rates are increasing rapidly as the percentage of opioid overdose deaths rose from 17.7 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 29.7 per 100,000 people in 2017.
Mental Health Resources in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Many people who need help for their mental health concerns often don’t seek it. Statistics reveal that as many as 56.4 percent of adults who have a mental illness don’t receive treatment. While this is often due to a stigma towards mental health and difficulty affording treatment, many people struggle to find providers in their area that can help with their particular needs.