Facing Missouri’s Mental Health Crisis – How LFCS Is Making A Difference

Apr 28, 2025 | Counseling, Mental Health, mental health services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the mental health challenges our communities face and to shine a light on the resources and organizations working to provide hope and healing. In Missouri, the need has never been greater.

 

Missouri’s Mental Health Rankings: A Wake-Up Call

Recent studies have made it clear—Missouri is facing a mental health crisis:

  • Data from a Quote Wizard study revealed that 23% of Missourians have a mental illness, but only 11% of those with mental illnesses received care. The study also revealed that 19% of Missourians with a mental illness do not have insurance. (Best States for Mental Health Care – QuoteWizard).

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent our friends, neighbors, children, and loved ones who cannot afford or are unable to get the support they need.

LFCS Is Answering the Call

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we recognize the urgency of Missouri’s mental health needs—especially among children and adolescents—and we are working tirelessly to respond.

“Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being,” said Lindsay Jefferies, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that LFCS is here to support and guide those struggling. We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.”

Since the pandemic, LFCS has:

  • Expanded our mental health services statewide, reaching more families in both urban and rural communities.
  • Opened new offices in Kanas City & updated our Columbia & Joplin offices, giving clients in these regions more offices & places to connect with our therapists.
  • Launched and strengthened telehealth options, making therapy accessible to those unable to travel to an office.
  • Kept our services low- or no-cost, so that financial limitations are never a barrier to care.
  • Made an aggressive push to hire new therapists, to help meet the growing demand for behavioral health support.

We understand that access to care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether someone is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or just needs someone to talk to, LFCS is here to help.

“We are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jefferies. “We encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from mental health support to contact us.”

Get Connected

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t wait.

Call: 866-326-LFCS
Visit: lfcsmo.org/behavioral-health
Email: [email protected]

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s come together to care for one another—and to create a Missouri where everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.