Why Access to Mental Health Care Matters, Especially in Oregon

Access to health care is about more than whether services technically exist. It is about whether people can realistically receive the care they need, when they need it, without unnecessary barriers.

Across Oregon, individuals and families are experiencing challenges with provider availability, insurance limitations, transportation, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, and difficulty navigating a complicated (and often challenging) healthcare system. For children and teens, getting support can also involve coordinating between families, schools, healthcare providers, and other community resources.

These barriers matter even more when the world around us feels uncertain. Economic pressures, changing policies, community stressors, family challenges, and concerns about the future can affect our mental health and overall wellbeing. For some people, these circumstances add to existing mental health concerns and stressors. For others, they make it harder to recognize when they need support or find the time and resources to seek it.

Mental health is important – when you’re in a place to access it before a situation becomes a crisis, and to help stabilize when things get hard.

We believe access to care is an essential part of a healthy community. People deserve opportunities to seek support before concerns become overwhelming, during difficult transitions, and when they need help finding their footing again.

That belief is central to our work at Cascade Counseling and Wellness.

Oregon Health Plan Changes: Why Staying Connected to Care Matters

For many individuals and families in Oregon, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), our state’s Medicaid program, is an essential lifeline to physical and mental health care. As federal Medicaid requirements change, Oregonians may have questions about their coverage, eligibility, and ability to continue accessing the services they rely on.

Beginning in late 2026 and continuing through 2028, several changes will affect OHP members. Depending on individual circumstances, these changes may include more frequent eligibility renewals, new work or activity requirements for some adults, and changes to how certain members access their benefits. For example, many adults ages 19–64 will face more frequent renewals beginning in late 2027, and work or activity requirements are scheduled to begin for some adults in 2027. Not every OHP member will be affected in the same way, and many members will continue to receive their existing benefits. You can find current information on the Oregon Health Authority’s OHP changes page.

Changes to health coverage can create uncertainty, particularly for people who are already navigating financial pressures, family responsibilities, or mental health challenges. The possibility of losing coverage, changing providers, or having to navigate additional paperwork can make it harder to prioritize mental health care—even when support is needed most.

At Cascade Counseling and Wellness, we believe access to mental health care should remain a priority, especially during periods of change. We accept the Oregon Health Plan and most private insurance plans, and our Client Support Team can help clients understand our services, discuss insurance questions, and explore options for getting started.

If you have OHP, we encourage you to keep your contact information current, read notices from the Oregon Health Authority, and complete renewal requirements by the deadlines provided. If your coverage or health plan changes, contact your coordinated care organization (CCO) or OHP directly to understand your options and avoid unnecessary disruptions in care.

You don’t have to navigate the process alone. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or hoping to maintain support you’ve already established, we’re committed to helping individuals and families explore their options for accessing care. Our values guide our work, and we remain committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of the Oregon communities we serve.

Why choose Cascade Counseling and Wellness?

At Cascade Counseling and Wellness, our work is grounded in three core values: Community, Access, and Respect. These values shape how we approach our relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and the broader Oregon community. It also helps guide our decisions – in how we build and expand services, how our team grows and the partnerships we build to bring mental health care to more people.  

Community

Mental health does not exist in isolation. Our relationships, families, schools, workplaces, and communities all influence our well-being.

We value collaboration and recognize the importance of working alongside families, schools, and other care providers when appropriate and authorized. Through our school-based partnerships and broader community connections, we are committed to helping children, teens, adults and families access support in the environments where they live, learn, and grow.

Access

We believe people should have a realistic path to mental health care. Cascade accepts most private insurance plans and the Oregon Health Plan, helping make services accessible to a broader range of individuals and families. Coverage varies by plan, so we encourage potential clients to contact us to discuss their insurance and service needs.

We also recognize that finding care can feel complicated. Questions about availability, insurance, getting started, and choosing a provider are all valid. Our goal is to help people understand their options and take the next step toward care.

Respect

Every person brings a different history, identity, set of experiences, and understanding of what they need. We believe effective care begins with listening and treating people with dignity.

We want clients to feel that their concerns are taken seriously, their perspectives matter, and they have an active role in their treatment. We recognize that seeking therapy can require courage, particularly for people who have felt misunderstood, experienced stigma, or faced barriers to care in the past.

Our team works to create a welcoming environment where clients can explore their concerns, identify their goals, and work toward change in a way that respects their individual needs.

Care that recognizes the whole person

We know that no two people arrive at therapy with the same story. Our approach emphasizes understanding the individual, the challenges they are facing, and the goals they want to work toward.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, we encourage you to ask questions, share your concerns, and participate actively in finding an approach that feels right for you.

Taking the first step

You do not need to wait until things become unbearable to seek therapy. You do not need the perfect words to describe what is wrong, and you do not need to know exactly what you want to change.

You only need to be willing to start a conversation.

If you are considering therapy, take some time to think about what you hope to gain, what matters most in a provider, and what practical needs will help you stay connected to care. Ask questions. Explore your options. Give yourself permission to find a therapist who respects your experiences and works collaboratively with you.

And remember: asking for help is not a sign that you cannot handle life on your own. It is one way of taking care of yourself and investing in your well-being.

At Cascade Counseling and Wellness, we believe that stronger individuals and families help build stronger communities. We are committed to supporting access to mental health care across Oregon and helping people find a path forward that feels meaningful to them.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit www.cascadewellness.live to learn more about Cascade Counseling and Wellness and explore your options for getting started. We welcome your questions and would be glad to help you learn more about accessing services.

You do not have to navigate everything alone.