Great Recession fuels safety net and behavioral health system issues

The Great Recession – which officially lasted from December 2007 to June 2009 – and the resulting loss of wealth led to sharp cutbacks in consumer spending, decreased family incomes, a rise in poverty and uninsurance. For mental health and safety net providers, the recession surfaced many new and acute needs. This strained economic climate dramatically altered the profile of consumers seeking community-based health services, and also transformed the focus, structure, and availability of those services.