Access to mental health services in the United States is an ongoing issue that many individuals and families encounter when they consider seeking support to help manage issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, stress, problems with self-esteem, and grief. Barriers to accessing these services typically relate to cost and insurance status. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2011—2015), the median income for households and families in Miami-Dade County is $43,129 which is slightly lower than estimates for both Florida and the U.S. In addition, Miami-Dade County has a significantly higher percentage of the population without health insurance (25.6%) compared to the state (18.0%) and nation (13.0%).
Beyond barriers associated with cost and access to public or private insurance, many individuals and families in our community face challenges associated with immigration status, language needs, homelessness, transportation, and disability status.
As a community mental health provider, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc. (JCS) seeks to bridge this gap by making mental health and other support services more accessible within our community to children, adults, and families regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, income, immigration status, or language. JCS has a team of multi-lingual staff available to provide personalized counseling, case management, psychiatric services, and crisis support services in various locations in Miami-Dade from Aventura to South Dade. In addition, JCS provides community outreach and education as well as specialized therapy services for children 0-5 and child, adolescent, and adult survivors of trauma (e.g., physical abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse).
For more information about our services, contact ACCESS Services at (305) 576-6550. The 2-1-1 and (305) 358-HELP (4357) helplines are also available 24/7, 365 days a year for information and referrals and crisis counseling.