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Mental health care is in high demand. Psychologists are leveraging tech and peers to meet the need
By Heather Stringer Date created: January 1, 2024 for the American Psychological Association
Amidst a perceived mental health crisis in the United States, a 2022 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN revealed widespread anxiety, with one-third of adults unable to access needed mental health services. Cost and stigma emerged as key barriers, compounded by a shortage of available providers. In response, mental health professionals are exploring innovative interventions that offer flexible support through digital platforms, meeting the demand for accessible care. This shift reflects a growing recognition that equitable access to mental health services is essential, particularly for marginalized communities facing significant barriers to traditional psychotherapy.
And the Survey Says:
90%
Americans that believe there is a mental health crisis in America
33%
Adults expressed feelings of anxiety always or often in the past year.
33%
Say they can't get the mental health treatment they need.
5 Key Takeaways
Digital Interventions
Mental health apps are increasingly popular, but many are costly and not covered by insurance. Psychologists advocate for insurance coverage and emphasize that human support alongside these tools is crucial for effectiveness.
Language Accessibility
Most mental health apps are in English, limiting access for non-English speakers. Efforts are underway to adapt digital therapeutics like SilverCloud for Spanish speakers, pairing them with Spanish-speaking coaches.
Open Access Initiatives
Psychologists are uniting to share reliable assessment tools openly, breaking down barriers between psychology and the public. Online resources enable individuals to assess themselves and share results with providers.
Single-Session Therapy
focus on brief interventions is gaining traction to reach more individuals. Single-session therapy models, like those offered by Windy Dryden, aim to provide effective help in just one session, addressing immediate needs efficiently.
Group Therapy Innovations
Brief group therapy strategies like Focused Brief Group Therapy (FBGT) empower participants to practice skills in a supportive environment. These models focus on real-time interactions to address relationship issues and build interpersonal skills.
About the American Psychological Association
APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 157,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members.
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