Hoosier State Today

David Metzner, an analyst for ACG Analytics, said that the United States is experiencing a shortage of psychiatric beds, with only 10.8 beds available per 100,000 people. This figure falls significantly short of the recommended 50 beds per 100,000. 

Metzner's comments follow a report by Hoosier State Today indicating that Indiana ranks 18th in the nation, with just 11.9 beds per 100,000 residents.

"States save more money on other healthcare costs when mental health issues are properly addressed," said Metzner, Managing Partner of ACG, during a webinar earlier this month. "The emergency room and local police became the de facto mental health delivery system for the country."

Metzner said that the critical lack of inpatient psychiatric beds is placing additional pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement agencies to address mental health care needs. Addressing this issue requires increasing inpatient resources, improving access to local mental health support services, and integrating telehealth solutions for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Hoosier State Today reported that Indiana has over 180,000 residents suffering from severe mental illness; however, only 41.5% receive necessary treatment. In 2022, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the state due to its insufficient number of psychiatric beds, which resulted in some defendants being incarcerated without access to appropriate care. The shortage contributed to $4.2 billion in economic losses in 2019 alone, with nearly 26,000 untreated cases reported in Marion County.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a statewide assessment in Indiana revealed that fewer than half of the counties have a practicing psychiatrist. Most psychiatrists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural counties—comprising over 27% of Indiana's population—with severe shortages or no psychiatrists at all. This disparity results in population-to-provider ratios up to seven times higher than those found in urban areas. Despite similar levels of poverty and Medicaid reliance across both rural and urban settings, rural areas remain underserved regarding psychiatric care access.

Meridian reports that David Metzner serves as Managing Partner of American Continental Group and has led ACG Analytics since 2007. He advises financial industry clients on how public policy impacts investment decisions and previously held the position of Vice Chairman at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.