When Help Feels Out of Reach

Women across Virginia are facing growing mental health challenges — and for many patients, the biggest barrier isn’t diagnosis. It’s access to treatment.

Maria* stopped sleeping after her husband died unexpectedly just before Christmas.

Suddenly uninsured, in her forties, and supporting two teenage children on a convenience store salary in southwest Virginia, she found herself overwhelmed by grief, stress, and depression. By spring, she had withdrawn from friends, gained weight, and struggled just to get through the day.

Eventually, she asked for help. But for many Virginians, getting diagnosed is only the beginning.

The big picture

According to Mental Health America’s 2025 State of Mental Health in America (MHA) report:

• 4% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in the past year.
• Nearly 1 in 4 adults reported an unmet need for treatment.
• More than 60 million Americans are affected nationwide.

Virginia is slightly above the national average:

• 25% of Virginia adults experienced mental illness in the past year.
• That equals more than 5 million Virginians.

Virginia ranks relatively well nationally for overall access to care, but major gaps remain for rural communities, uninsured patients, and women seeking behavioral health treatment.

Why it matters: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD already make everyday tasks harder. Add transportation barriers, childcare responsibilities, missed work time, or rising health care costs — and treatment plans can quietly collapse before they begin.

Women face higher risk, nationally and in Virginia

Women are significantly more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety — and more likely to rely on prescription medications as part of treatment.

Nationally:
According to the latest CDC data, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression during their lifetime, and are more than twice as likely as men to take prescription medication for depression (15.3% vs. 7.4%).

In Virginia:
Roughly 1 in 4 women of reproductive age in Virginia report frequent mental distress – defined as 14 or more days each month when their mental health is “not good”, which is slightly above the national average. (MHA)

Treatment during pregnancy and postpartum presents a challenge

The first year after childbirth is one of the most vulnerable periods in a woman’s mental health journey.

Roughly 1 in 5 mothers experience maternal mental health condition like postpartum depression. An estimated 75% never receive treatment.

Virginia has expanded support through programs like the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) but the state still received only a “C” on the 2025 maternal mental health report card.

The takeaway: Screening is improving. Consistent treatment access still is not.

Medication Access Matters

Even when patients seek help, affording medication can still be a challenge.  In the same way that chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension need consistent access to prescription medication, mental and behavioral health treatment often benefits from access to a variety of medication options and dosages in order to tailor prescriptions to treat specific symptoms.

Just as diabetes or high blood pressure often require ongoing medication, many mental health conditions are successfully managed with prescription treatment. For patients who cannot afford medications—or cannot access a pharmacy—the path to recovery becomes much more difficult.

Cost can derail treatment

About 1 in 4 Virginians report being unable to afford prescription medications at some point — even when a pharmacy is nearby.

Women, especially younger women and Black women, are more likely to:

• skip doses,
• delay refills,
• or stop medications altogether because of cost.

These actions put women’s lives at risk. Stopping antidepressants or mood stabilizers abruptly can worsen symptoms, increase crisis visits, and elevate the risk of self-harm.

Where RxP and Virginia’s free clinics can help

This is where Rx Partnership and Virginia’s free and charitable clinics play a critical role. These clinics serve uninsured adults—many living at or below 300% of the federal poverty level—who often have nowhere else to turn for affordable care.

Many RxP partner clinics provide:

• behavioral health support,
• counseling referrals,
• and medication assistance.

Maria came to one of Rx Partnership’s partner clinics after months of struggling with depression. At first, she agreed only to medication. She wasn’t convinced counseling would help. But after beginning treatment, her provider encouraged her to try one counseling session.

One session became weekly visits. At a recent appointment, Maria said: “I wish I had done this sooner.” She reported more energy, weight loss, stronger relationships, and improved mental health. Most importantly, she no longer felt alone.

By the numbers

In FY25:

• 12% of Rx Partnership patients received behavioral health medications.
• More than 3,465 behavioral health prescriptions were dispensed – representing 149,356 months of treatment (30-day prescriptions).
• The dollar value of these medications was over $1.1 million.

Through Rx Partnership, uninsured Virginians can receive brand-name and generic medications at no cost through partner clinics across the Commonwealth. Prescribers can easily adjust dosage strengths or explore different medication options to improve outcomes without the patient needing to worry about the cost.

Mental health treatment does not work if medication access fails.

If you or someone you know needs help

• Uninsured Virginians may qualify for no-cost medications and care through clinics working with Rx Partnership across Virginia. Click here to find out more about RxP partner clinics and click the clinic links to see the services offered.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.
• NAMI HelpLine — Call 1-800-950-NAMI for information, peer support, and help navigating treatment options.

*Name changed for privacy.*