Massachusetts sets standard for mental health but has room to grow

Amid this year’s observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Massachusetts — not unlike the rest of the country — continues to grapple with a period of historically profound mental health challenges that have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is the encouraging news: Massachusetts ranks first in the nation for access to mental health care, Mental Health America found in their annual State of Mental Health in America report for 2022. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that 54% of Massachusetts residents living with mental health conditions receive treatment for them, a larger percentage than in many other states. This is not surprising when considering the commonwealth’s track record as a national leader in health care reform, including through enacting legislation that served as a precursor to the Affordable Care Act. Massachusetts residents are insured at a 97% rate, the nation’s highest level.

But here is the cause for concern: Despite the state’s strong reputation in this space, many people still struggle to access mental health care in Massachusetts. More than one in three Massachusetts residents over the age of 19 need behavioral health care for themselves or a close relative during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study released in February that was commissioned by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.

While Massachusetts can take pride in pioneering health coverage expansion and setting a national standard for mental health treatment, this is not a time for the Bay State to rest on its laurels — certainly not during an ongoing pandemic with substantial consequences for mental health. Massachusetts should measure itself against its own standard, not the performance of other states.

The Ruderman Family Foundation, which calls Massachusetts home, tackles today’s mental health landscape by focusing on one of the population’s most susceptible demographics — teenagers and young adults. We have seen firsthand the personal struggles of secondary and postsecondary students plagued with mental health-related challenges, and we understand that it is incumbent upon us to raise awareness surrounding this issue and expand access to resources.

Younger individuals are more likely to struggle with first identifying their personal mental health struggles, and then pursuing resources to alleviate or resolve them. Further, due to the stigma associated with mental health issues, they are often not likely to approach their parents or teachers for help.

For college-age students, our foundation’s response to the mental health crisis has included partnering with Boston University to create a first-of-its-kind set of manuals that establish best practices for college campus leave of absence policies. Our student manual aims to help those who have experienced an interruption to their postsecondary education or who are considering a leave of absence make an informed decision about taking a leave; manage and build their collegiate resilience during a leave; and navigate the process of re-entry effectively and healthily. Another manual — for leadership, faculty, and staff — provides evidence-based approaches and recommendations for promoting a campus culture of caring, with a particular emphasis on supporting the mental health wellness of students who take a leave.

Our foundation is also currently exploring ways to promote the introduction of more on-campus wellness programs that support students’ mental health fitness and their ability to flourish. Complementing clinical services for students with broader, campus-wide wellness strategies will empower students, faculty, and staff to work together to maintain safe, supportive, healthy, and inclusive campus communities. We aim to identify the effective practices, emerging innovations, and technology-enabled tools which can ensure that all secondary and postsecondary students have access to the mental health supports that help them thrive in school.

For teens, we support the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health’s Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) program, which for more than 15 years has successfully helped students return to school after prolonged mental-health related absences. BRYT is continuing to expand its innovative approach in Massachusetts and several other states.

Social media is an increasingly prominent mental health concern given that, according to the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans now use at least one social media platform — a figure that rises to 84% for adults ages 18-29 and 90% for teens. Accordingly, we are supporting research and programs focused on social media, in addition to peer counseling, sports, and mental health training for teachers and faculty — all with the aim of increasing social-emotional wellness, mental health first aid, and preventive practices that build resilience.

Given how mental health has become such a crucial priority during the pandemic — and even if the pandemic subsides, the centrality of the mental health challenge will likely remain — it is our responsibility to continue to find ways to connect teens, young adults, and others with the resources they need.

Sharon Shapiro is a Trustee and Community Liaison for the Ruderman Family Foundation.