Mental health crisis highlights access issues

Many psychologists are facing significant challenges as a result of the ongoing mental health crisis, as they manage an increase in patient demand brought on by yearly presentations of symptoms that are getting worse.
The 2023 Practitioner Pulse Survey was completed by 561 licenced practicing psychologists, according to the American Psychological Association. Psychologists questioned found that half of their patients' symptoms had gotten worse. However, 41% of them claimed that their patients need more sessions to be treated, which would restrict their ability to take on new clients.
Furthermore, 56% of psychologists who kept a waitlist stated they were unable to accept new patients, and 69% of those who claimed the typical wait time for a first appointment was three months or longer. Only 31% of psychologists indicated the average wait time was longer than three months.
APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said, “As the mental health crisis continues, psychologists are under pressure. These findings underscore the sustained demand for care, led by increased severity of symptoms and extended treatment courses, compounded by increases year after year. This paints a clear picture of psychologists operating at the brink of their capacity. To better meet demand, it is essential that we develop comprehensive public health strategies that reach people throughout their lifespan and robustly address behavioral health alongside physical health.”