Demand for mental health services continues to reach unprecedented highs despite a shortage in the number of providers. From 2020 to 2024 the amount of U.S. adults seeking treatment or counseling for mental health rose nearly 45%. Yet, many more need and want treatment but are not receiving the care they need.
Almost half of women with some form of mental illness, and 1 in 10 men with anxiety or depression, did not receive any treatment in the past year. In some cases, this is because they think they can handle the problem, but in many cases it’s because they don’t know where to go for services or can’t afford the cost.
Virtual Behavioral Healthcare
Awareness around mental health is growing, especially in certain areas of the country. If you combine that with eliminating the intimidation some may feel with a face-to-face appointment, and increase access to virtual counselors and therapists, you may see a rise in adults willing to give therapy a try.
According to Mercer, 49% of Americans live in a mental health workforce shortage area, and two-thirds of shortage areas are in rural or partially rural parts of the country. Virtual behavioral health can help with therapist shortages in underserved areas, as well as create more flexibility surrounding appointment times.
The Need for Mental Health Medications
Not only did the share of adults receiving care rise, but also the amount of adults taking prescription medication for mental health conditions. The increase rose from 19% in 2019 to nearly 24% in 2023, and today, 1 in 5 adults are on medication. Additionally, adults receiving prescription medication remained higher than adults receiving counseling (19% vs. 13% in 2022). But if adults can gain access to telepsychology, which is offered free of charge on some health plans, the cost of drugs could decrease as the amount of care increases.
The Importance of Mental Health Therapy
Access to third party systems that can amplify the reach of psychologists and counselors can truly hold the key to a healthier lifestyle, mind, and body with 92% of people worldwide noting their mental health is as important, or more important, as their physical health. The future of the virtual telehealth space will certainly continue to grow and creating the access employees need should remain paramount to your employee benefits plans.
Sources
The Future of Virtual Mental Health Care: What to Expect
Mental health treatment or therapy among U.S. adults 2024| Statista
Has virtual been a gamechanger for behavioral health?
5 Telehealth Predictions for 2025 | Whereby
https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
