In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a mental and behavioral health crisis unfolded in the United States—deepening long-standing issues around mental health and substance abuse. While rates of mental illness and substance use were on the rise before 2020, they were exacerbated by the emotional, social, economic, and psychological toll of a long-term global health emergency. Communities across the country are still struggling to keep up with the scope and magnitude of support required.
One in 5 adults—and 1 in 6 youth—experience mental illness in the U.S. Too often, treatment and resources are inaccessible, unaffordable, or lack continuity, especially for poor, rural, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ populations. As a result, more than half of people with a mental illness don’t receive care. Unable to access systems of support, some people turn to substance use for relief. In fact, 35% of adults and 45% of youth who have a mental disorder also have a substance use disorder. America has more than enough resources to turn the tide, but we urgently need to reimagine how we invest in mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention.
The Criminalization of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
In 2021, the U.S. spent $135 billion on police and $87 billion on corrections, while federal health agencies received just $40.3 billion. This means that people in distress are likely to be met with carceral interventions, even though research shows that mental illness and substance abuse are issues best mitigated through early intervention and care that is racially, culturally, and linguistically affirming.
Law enforcement agencies spend 21% of their time responding to and transporting people with mental illness—often for nonviolent behaviors (e.g., loitering, disorderly conduct, and trespassing)—and are 10 times more likely to use force in these interactions.
Additionally, as many as 70 percent of justice-involved youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and more than 40 percent of incarcerated adults have a history of mental illness.
The data is clear: when we underinvest in the mental and behavioral health system and overrely on public safety, people don’t get the help they deserve.
Rethinking Solutions: Advocating for More Effective Policies
As the Trump administration slashes federal grants that support mental and behavioral health programs, there’s an urgent need for policymakers to reallocate funding and rethink interventions to more effectively address the intersectionality of mental health, substance abuse, and public safety policy. Leaders and advocates looking for a place to start can consider the following:
Train Law Enforcement
Train law enforcement on trauma-informed strategies for interacting with people experiencing mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Transforming the role of public safety in mental and behavioral health response won’t happen overnight. As agencies across the country rethink the involvement of law enforcement, they can simultaneously invest in training officers on how to engage in ways that minimize harm and ensure people in crisis are safely connected to care.
Integrate Mental Health Professionals in Schools Systems
In 37 states, students are more likely to attend a school that has a police officer than a social worker. Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and there’s an average delay of 11 years between symptom onset and initial treatment. State and local education agencies should prioritize placing clinical social workers, psychologists, and counselors in schools to support early intervention.
Establish Cross-Sector Partnerships
Strengthening relationships between public health and healthcare, social services providers, law enforcement, and the court system will improve shared understanding about evidence-based practices for supporting people dealing with mental health and substance use disorders. These sectors can collaborate to develop programs and solutions that prioritize diversion and care, which will decrease burden on the justice system and improve outcomes.
Millions of people across the country are at risk of losing access to critical care and resources that allow them to manage their conditions and remain in their communities. More than ever, we need to come together to build multidisciplinary, multi-sector approaches that meet people with care, not jails.
Find out how Jeweld Consulting is creating change in mental health and substance abuse.
