States Cut Mental Health Budgets As Demand Increases

States Cut Mental Health Budgets As Demand Increases
More than half the states have cut their mental health budgets since the recession hit home, while the economic slump has pushed up demand for such services, according to a new report premium members from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

General funds for mental health — excluding funds brought in through Medicaid and other federal programs – are down $1.6 billion overall between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal 2012, a period when 28 states plus D.C. reduced mental health . . .