Ohio’s behavioral health care system is stretched thin, creating significant challenges for those in need of support. Between 2013 and 2019, demand for behavioral health care services in the state soared by an astonishing 350%, as reported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This surge in demand shows no signs of slowing down, leading to an increasing number of Ohioans seeking help for their mental health and addiction issues.
However, the behavioral health workforce is not keeping pace with this growing need, leaving millions of Ohioans without access to qualified behavioral health professionals. The shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where the availability of resources can be even more limited.
“We are in a mental health crisis,” said Diane Bricker, executive director of Safe Harbor Peer Support Services in central Ohio’s Delaware and Morrow Counties. Her words highlight the urgent need for action in a state where the Health Resources and Services Administration has classified 75 of Ohio’s 88 counties as ‘mental health professional’ shortage areas. As of 2022, less than a third of Ohioans living in these areas had their behavioral health needs adequately met.
Without enough counselors and therapists to meet demand, individuals in need of mental health or addiction services often find themselves waiting extended periods to receive professional help. This gap in services can be disheartening for those who are struggling and seeking immediate assistance.
In response to these challenges, some organizations are exploring creative solutions to bridge the gap and provide support to those in need.
Horses for Healing
Inside a horse barn in Delaware County, a white mare stretches her head out of a stall in search of a neck rub. Another horse perks up its ears, looking for a snack, while a third horse sways, swinging its head left and right.
“Stanley has a little bit of anxiety,” said Tim Funk, the executive director of this barn, Stockhands Horses for Healing. “That’s why he’s weaving back and forth.” Funk takes care of Stanley and the 31 other horses at the barn, but he and the horses also help care for people through equine therapy. This unique form of therapy works with individuals ranging from children with autism to veterans dealing with PTSD.
Stanley, in particular, plays a crucial role in supporting some people through their challenges. “We can use this in our peer support program,” Funk said. “What are some ways that we can help him calm down or some things that we can help him with to help him work through that anxiety?” The symbiotic relationship between the horses and the individuals who work with them highlights the healing potential of animal-assisted therapies.
Matt Larcom first discovered Stockhands Horses for Healing during a low point in his life, struggling with alcoholism to the extent that he faced legal troubles. “My recovery journey has been a long, rocky one,” Larcom shared. “I battled alcoholism on and off for 20 years. I’ve been incarcerated multiple times. I’ve been hospitalized multiple times. I’ve been institutionalized multiple times. I felt like I was falling through the cracks.”
That was when he found Safe Harbor Peer Support Services, which hosts regular outings to the horse barn, providing an essential connection to healing and support.
Peer Support Services
Peer support is precisely what it sounds like—leaning on the support of individuals who have shared similar experiences to navigate behavioral health issues. “A lot of times, peers feel more comfortable working with someone who’s been there and done that,” Bricker explained, underscoring the importance of shared experiences in building trust and rapport.
In light of the provider shortage, Bricker emphasizes that peer support services are more critical than ever. “We can be the bridge or the gap filler for folks that are waiting to see their therapists,” she noted, pointing to the vital role peer supporters play in connecting individuals to the help they need.
However, peer support goes beyond merely filling a gap; it has been proven to be highly effective. “If [someone] gets linked with us right after they get out of the psychiatric hospital, the chances of them going back are reduced by 56%,” Bricker said. Research indicates that peer support can decrease psychotic symptoms and depression, improve self-esteem, and promote longer-lasting recoveries.
Matt Larcom knows this firsthand—he’s now celebrating more than three years of sobriety. “Peer support really was the harbinger to my success,” he said, crediting the connections he made through these services with significantly enhancing his recovery journey.
Recognizing the growing need for support, the state has taken steps to bolster these initiatives. Since 2016, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has certified thousands of peer supporters and organized hundreds of training sessions to equip individuals with the necessary skills to provide effective support.
Larcom himself became a certified peer supporter, sharing his experiences with others, connecting them with valuable resources like equine therapy that aided his recovery, and encouraging more people on their path to wellness.
Discover Ohio Autism Therapy
If you or a loved one is seeking support within Ohio’s behavioral health care landscape, consider reaching out to SkyCare ABA. As a leading provider of Ohio autism therapy, SkyCare ABA offers specialized services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Their commitment to quality and compassionate care sets them apart in the realm of behavioral health, ensuring that every client receives the support they deserve. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting us today!