Mental Health Needs Rising in Hendricks County as Access Remains Out of Reach for Many Uninsured Residents
Hendricks County, IN — Recent community health assessments from Hendricks Regional Health, IU Health West, and the Hendricks County Community Foundation reveal a consistent and concerning message: mental health needs in Hendricks County are growing, while access to care remains limited—especially for people without insurance.
According to the Hendricks County Community Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment, more than 4 in 10 residents (41%) identified limited access to healthcare, mental health, and wellness services as a community concern. While the survey groups healthcare and mental health together, hospital-led assessments further clarify that behavioral health—including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use—is one of the most pressing unmet needs in the region.
The IU Health West Community Health Needs Assessment formally identified behavioral health as a priority community health issue, citing shortages of mental health providers and ongoing barriers to care. Similarly, the Hendricks Regional Health Community Health Needs Assessment highlights rising mental health needs, particularly among children and adolescents, and increasing strain on families and support systems.
These concerns are compounded by workforce shortages. Hendricks County currently has approximately one mental health provider for every 770 residents, a ratio that falls below state and national benchmarks and makes timely access to care difficult even for those with insurance.
The Uninsured Face the Greatest Barriers
For the thousands of uninsured residents living in and around Hendricks County, these access challenges are even more severe.
Nearly one-third of local households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or living below the federal poverty level, meaning they often earn too much to qualify for public assistance but not enough to afford private insurance or high out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, many individuals delay or forgo mental health care altogether—until symptoms escalate into crisis.
Emergency departments and law enforcement are often left to respond when preventive and outpatient mental health care is unavailable, placing strain on families, hospitals, and community resources.
How Hope Healthcare Services Is Closing the Gap
Hope Healthcare Services exists to meet this exact need.
As a faith-based nonprofit clinic serving only uninsured individuals, Hope provides affordable medical, dental, and mental health care with no income restrictions, no geographic boundaries, and no insurance requirements. Mental health counseling at Hope is offered for $30 per full session with a licensed counselor, helping remove one of the most significant barriers identified in community assessments: affordability.
Yet despite the documented rise in need, Hope Healthcare Services is not seeing the expected increase in counseling patient visits.
“We continue to see the need for mental health care increase in our community, and these reports clearly validate that,” said Cliff Sweazey, Executive Director of Hope Healthcare Services. “However, we are not seeing an increase in patient visits. We have to assume that many people simply are not aware that this type of affordable access exists for those without insurance. That’s why we are doing everything we can to get the word out—and we’re asking the community to help us do that. After all, this is the community helping the community.”
Hope partners with trusted mental health providers to offer counseling that addresses emotional, relational, and trauma-related needs, while also recognizing the connection between mental health, physical health, and overall stability. By integrating mental health care within a broader model of whole-person care, Hope helps patients access support earlier—before concerns become emergencies.
In a county where provider shortages and cost barriers limit access, Hope Healthcare Services offers a bridge between need and care, ensuring that uninsured neighbors are not left without options.
A Community Responsibility
Local assessments make it clear: mental health is not a fringe issue—it is a community issue that affects families, workplaces, schools, and the healthcare system as a whole. Addressing it requires collaboration among hospitals, nonprofits, faith communities, businesses, and individual supporters.
Hope Healthcare Services plays a vital role in that ecosystem, expanding access for those who would otherwise go without care and helping create a healthier, more resilient community for all.
About Hope Healthcare Services
Hope Healthcare Services provides affordable medical, dental, and mental health care to individuals without insurance in Hendricks County and surrounding areas—without geographic boundaries, financial restrictions, income limitations, or belief requirements. Everyone is welcome at Hope. We believe every person deserves access to quality, comprehensive, and compassionate care that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Guided by faith and a deep commitment to our community, Hope is a place where compassion and connection come together to bring hope, help, and healing.
Accessing Care at Hope Healthcare Services
All medical, dental, and mental health visits at Hope Healthcare Services are by appointment only and must be scheduled by phone. Individuals who are uninsured and would like to schedule a visit or discuss care options are encouraged to call Hope Healthcare Services at 317-272-0708.