We are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis in the United States today. Studies show extraordinary numbers of people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, with a shocking 17% of the total population now taking prescription medication to treat these disorders. Coping attempts through self-medication, most notably with drugs and alcohol, have led to an epidemic of addictions, including a system of social media products that feed off these addictive behaviors. Suicide rates have increased dramatically since the 1940s, particularly among young people, and the trend has only escalated in the last 15 years.

Looking beyond the medical diagnoses, we see that increasing numbers of people in the United States feel a loss of community, greater isolation, and loneliness. Research in political science and interpersonal neurobiology indicates that individualism and competition—dominant themes in our culture—are directly correlated with increasing rates of mental illness. The biggest factor associated with positive mental health—more significant even than access to healthcare—is social capital. Defined by political scientist Robert Putnam, social capital encompasses “connections among individuals—social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them.”

In this difficult time, many seek mental health support from professionally trained psychotherapists or social workers. The work of these professionals is more essential than ever, given the tremendous need of this moment. However, the cost of these services makes them inaccessible to many. Moreover, even when individuals are fortunate enough to access them, the existing model, which typically provides one hour a week with a professional, is not enough to address many individuals’ needs, nor does it build a community that can expand our capacity to meet each other's needs.

Alternatively, many people seek support in mutual aid—people helping one another outside of professional and state services. Mutual aid takes place within families, friend networks, neighborhoods, churches, volunteer organizations, unions, and other formal and informal social groups. While such support is wonderful, it is often insufficient. Community and social networks where people have traditionally found mutual support have been declining. Furthermore, ad hoc personal networks are often not grounded enough in the skills and knowledge that can fully meet people’s needs.

To better meet the collective needs of our society, we need something more. We need a model for emotional support, healing, and personal growth that can be integrated into the communities and relationships of our daily lives. We need a model that goes beyond informal mutual aid by providing new skills and knowledge that can be learned and practiced without professional training. We need a model without financial barriers, accessible enough to reach all the many individuals and communities who need it.

This is the vision of Community Counseling. In launching it, our hope is that it can grow to be a widely accessible model for mutual aid that will benefit many communities.