Shortage of Child Therapists in North Carolina as Demand Increases by 9%

A national mental health provider has reported a 9% increase in the demand for child therapy.

Experts link this rise to the ongoing mental health crisis across the country, which often becomes more severe during the back-to-school season.

However, there’s another challenge: access to care.

According to Thriveworks Counselor Carole Cox, there is a shortage of child psychiatrists and therapists in North Carolina.

Thriveworks also found that the demand for therapy for children aged 10 and younger is increasing at a rate five times higher than for those aged 11-17.

Cox mentioned that substance abuse, even among children under 10, is on the rise.

“Sadly, younger kids are trying to cope with anxiety and depression by turning to vaping, marijuana, and even alcohol,” Cox said. “It’s troubling to see this happening at such a young age.”

Parent Leslie Rink is taking proactive steps to support her 3-year-old daughter’s emotional health.

I have a history of anxiety, and I sometimes see signs of it in her, Rink explained. So, we’re working on ways to address it early on.

Rink is worried because her child is already showing signs of anxiety, but they are addressing it together.

We’re teaching her that it’s okay to feel emotions and helping her learn tools to manage them, Rink said. Our goal is to prevent these feelings from becoming bigger issues later in life.

 

Leave a Comment