Kentucky has a population of approximately 4.4 million people. Close to 4.7% of adults in Kentucky (according to SAMHSA) live with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Public mental health services in Kentucky are administered and provided by the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services–Division of Behavioral Health. Substance use and addiction treatment services are overseen by the Office of Drug Control Policy.
Only 46.9% of adults with mental illness in Kentucky receive any form of treatment from either the public system or private providers (according to SAMHSA). The remaining 43.1% receive no mental health treatment. According to Mental Health America, Kentucky is ranked 19 out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. for providing access to mental health services.
Medicaid is a combined state and federal program that provides health coverage to people with low income, including those who are unable to work because of a mental health disability. Residents of Kentucky can apply for Medicaid through the Kentucky Health Marketplace.
Other Kentucky Resources
Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services–Division of Behavioral Health
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
Kentucky Medicaid
Kentucky 211 – 2-1-1 is a free referral and information helpline that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including Kentucky, simply dial the numbers 2-1-1 from any phone.
National Alliance on Mental Illness–Kentucky – The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nationwide advocacy group, representing families and people affected by mental health disorders in the United States. The national organization is organized into state and local affiliates, of which NAMI–Kentucky is one.
For weekly mental health and wellness articles, subscribe to our e-newsletter.
