People in Washington, DC, continue to struggle with their mental health. According to a recent report from Georgetown University for the D.C. Auditor’s Office, mental health diagnoses in DC during the pandemic were 15% above the baseline. As a result, it is now evident how many challenges people faced when the COVID-19 pandemic first started. In addition, there was a 200% increase in phone calls to DC’s suicide helplines within the first year of the pandemic, as compared to the year before.
Also, The District’s opioid crisis reached new heights in April 2020, with 48 people dying from overdoses. This was a 78% increase from the month before and the highest number seen throughout the pandemic. In addition, overdoses have fluctuated at a higher rate than before the pandemic, as indicated in the report.
All and all, since the pandemic, DC has expanded many options for treating mental health conditions. This article will explore mental health facts and support in DC, LGBTQ+ facts, and some background about this destination.
LGBTQ+ Facts
Washington, DC, features a diverse and lively LGBTQ+ community. Here, you can find various places to go and see. For instance, you can tour historic LGBTQ+ sites, head to the best LGBTQ+ bars in the city, attend Capital Pride, and much more.
This city is also one of the most diverse and welcoming cities worldwide. It used to be an international crossroads and an all-American hometown, and now many people of different identities and races call the District their home.
LGBTQ+ Resources in Washington, DC
Many LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations have headquarters located in Washington, DC, including:
- Human Rights Campaign
- LGBTQ Victory Fund
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- National LGBTQ Task Force
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- PFLAG
In addition, various local organizations offer services to the LGBTQ+ community in the general Washington metropolitan area, like:
- Casa Ruby
- The DC Center for the LGBT Community
- Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL)
- Us Helping Us
- Whitman-Walker Health
Mental Health in Washington, DC.
According to the “State of Mental Health” rankings, the mental health data ranges from 1 to 51, reflecting the 50 states and the District of Columbia. When the number is higher, it means the outcomes are worse. Washington, DC ranks 30th, and 102,000 people (19.32% of the population) have any mental illness. This number is slightly higher than the national average of 43.7 million Americans (18.29%).
For other statistics, DC ranks the worst for dependence or abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol. Their rank is 51st place, which is last. The prevalence of substance addiction is 12.51% in DC, compared to 8.47% across the nation. In other words, 66,000 people in DC struggle with substance use. In addition, the District ranks 16th for adults with severe thoughts of suicide, with 3.91% having contemplated suicide (21,000 people). These numbers are around the same as the national average of 3.94%.
Regarding young people in DC, one in five children and youth may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and needs treatment. In addition, young people who use alcohol and drugs early are more likely to experience substance use problems as they age. Moreover, young people suffering from the effects of trauma are at an even higher risk for drug or alcohol use.
Some Mental Health Stats in Washington, DC
Here are some common mental health statistics about Washington, DC, as noted by NAMI in a report from February 2021:
- 125,000 adults in Washington, DC, have a mental health condition
- In February 2021, 43.7% of adults in DC reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression
- 25.7% were not able to get therapy or mental health treatment
- In Washington DC, 27,000 adults have a severe mental illness
- 3000 youth in Washington, DC, from ages 12-17 have depression
- In Washington, DC, 54 died by suicide and 23,000 adults had thoughts about suicide within the last year
- 6380 of those living in DC are unhoused and 1 in 6 experience a severe mental illness
- 1 in 4 people with a severe mental health problem has been arrested during their lifetime
- 2 in 5 adults in jail have a history of mental health issues
- 7 in 10 youth in the juvenile justice system experience a mental health condition
Many people in Washington, DC, struggle with accessing help. Fifty-two thousand adults in DC didn’t receive mental health care, and 23.5% of them were due to the cost. In addition, 3.6% of people in DC are uninsured and are six times more likely to have to find out-of-network mental health care. Essentially, it is too difficult to find care and costly because of out-of-pocket costs.
If you know anyone suffering from mental health conditions in the Washington, DC, area, help is available. At LGBTQ and ALL, we have an extensive list of all the qualified mental health professionals in DC and worldwide. Be sure to check out our helpful resources so that you can access mental health services for anyone in need.
Top Features in Washington, DC.
Washington, DC, which used to be known as the District of Columbia, is the capital city of the United States. It is found on the east bank of the Potomac River and shares a land border with Maryland on its remaining sides.
Some of the most famous sites in this city include:
- The White House
- United States Capitol
- Library of Congress
Facts
- The city’s namesake came from George Washington, a Founding Father and the very first president of the United States.
- The federal District is named after Columbia, a female personification of the nation.
- Washington, DC, is a significant world political capital and one of the most visited cities in the nation, with over 20 million visitors in 2016.
History/Data
Initially founded in 1790, Washington, DC, has had a rich American history. However, it is different from other American cities because the United States Constitution first established it as the nation’s capital.
In 2020, the population of Washington, DC, will be 701,974.
Takeaway
If you are looking for mental health, gender confirmation, or psychologist for kids in the Washington, DC area, you can find a list of providers in our database.
You can add your business to our database for those looking to advertise their services and expand their offerings. We will verify your credentials, and your mental health services will be available for prospective clients to access easily.
