6 Reasons People Avoid Mental Health Treatment — And Why You Shouldn't
By the clinical team at Next Step Psychiatry • Lilburn, GA
You wouldn't hesitate to see a doctor for a broken arm. But when it comes to mental health, roughly 40% of Americans who need care never seek it. Across the Atlanta metro—from Lilburn to Lawrenceville, Stone Mountain to Snellville—the barriers are the same: stigma, cost concerns, and simple misinformation about what psychiatric treatment actually involves. Let's break down the six most common reasons people avoid getting help, and why none of them should keep you from feeling better.
1. “Treatment Won't Work for Me”
Mental health care is evidence-based medicine, just like cardiology or orthopedics. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 70–90% of people experience significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life with the right combination of medication and therapy. At Next Step Psychiatry, we use proven treatments—including Spravato for treatment-resistant depression—because the data supports them. Your odds of feeling better are strong.
2. “I'll Be in Treatment Forever”
Not necessarily. The length of treatment depends entirely on your condition and its severity. Some patients manage an episode of anxiety or depression over several months, then step down to occasional check-ins. Others with chronic conditions benefit from ongoing medication management. Dr. Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C tailor every plan to the individual—there's no one-size-fits-all timeline.
3. “Will This Go on My Permanent Record?”
There is no universal “permanent record” for health information. Federal HIPAA laws protect your medical records, and your mental health diagnosis is never shared with employers, schools, or anyone else without your explicit consent. What happens in our Lilburn office stays between you and your treatment team.
4. “They're Going to Force Medication on Me”
Medication is one tool in the toolbox, not the only one. A good psychiatrist discusses all your options and respects your preferences. If you have reservations about starting a medication, say so. Our team will explain the pros and cons transparently and never pressure you into a decision you're not comfortable with.
5. “I Can't Afford It”
Cost is a real concern—and a solvable one. Most health insurance plans are required to cover mental health services. Next Step Psychiatry works with many major insurance providers to keep care accessible for families across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta area. Call us at 678-437-1659 and our staff can verify your benefits before your first visit.
6. “I Don't Know Where to Start”
This might be the most common barrier of all—and the simplest to overcome. Starting is as easy as making one phone call. At Next Step Psychiatry, located at 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 100 in Lilburn, we walk you through the process from your very first call. No referral is needed for most insurance plans. You don't need to have all the answers before you pick up the phone.
You Deserve to Feel Better
Mental health care is healthcare—full stop. Whatever has been holding you back, let today be the day you move past it. Our team is ready to meet you where you are.
Call 678-437-1659 to schedule your appointment at Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.