May is National Mental Health Month. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 American youth and adults will experience or live with a mental health condition. When an individual has a primary diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability, often secondary mental health conditions go undiagnosed. While prevalence is hard to determine, professionals generally agree that 1 in 3 individuals with an ID/DD diagnosis also have a comorbid mental health condition. Dual diagnoses can particularly complicate treatment for children and youth with special health care needs and their families, who may experience additional caregiving stress and burdens. Therefore, it is necessary for Care Coordinators to holistically approach the needs of a patient and ensure mental health screenings and treatment are occurring as part of the patient’s regular care from his/her medical home. This fact sheet gives an overview of mental health services offered in Indiana and how to access those services. Of note, families of children and youth may find it necessary to access either Children’s Mental Health Initiative or Children’s Mental Health Wraparound services. Family Voices Indiana specialists may also be able to offer resources that address the specific needs of a family.
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