Article
2024 Trends: What to Expect in Behavioral Health
Article from American Psychological Association by Heather Stringer
Heading into 2024, mental health providers across the U.S. are grappling with an urgent need to meet the skyrocketing demand for their services. This surge in demand is driven by a variety of factors, including the ongoing pandemic and an increased societal recognition of mental health issues. The situation is further exacerbated by a significant shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
In response to these challenges, innovators within the field are exploring new interventions that diverge from traditional therapy models. Digital therapeutics, for example, are being leveraged to provide support for underserved populations and help bridge the gap caused by the provider shortage. Some of the fastest-growing companies in the behavioral health industry have differentiated themselves by targeting niche populations and providing tailored solutions.
Here are our key takeaways from the article:
The primary barriers to accessing mental health care include cost and shame/stigma.
Digital interventions, such as mental health apps, are becoming more popular.
Digital therapeutics, while promising, are most effective when used alongside human support.
Despite the Latinx community being the largest non-White community in the US, only 14.5% of mental health apps have Spanish-language operability.
Studies are being conducted to explore how digital therapeutics can be integrated effectively into care delivery, especially for monolingual communities.
Psychologists are joining the open science movement to share reliable clinical assessment tools with the public through a unified website.
Single-session therapy is gaining attention as an effective intervention for patients who may not return after their first therapy appointment.
A systematic review found single-session therapy to be superior to no treatment and similar to multiple treatment sessions in reducing anxiety symptoms in both youth and adults.
FBGT is an innovative strategy that increases access to mental health support by providing a safe environment for participants to practice skills.
The FBGT model facilitates real-time interaction among participants, encouraging them to try new behaviors and experience acceptance.
There is a significant interest among students to learn how to support their peers who are struggling, indicating the crucial role peer support programs can play in promoting mental well-being on campuses.
Excerpt
Mental health care is in high demand. Here’s how psychologists are leveraging technology and their peers to meet the need
By Heather Stringer on American Psychological Association
"Ninety percent of the public think there is a mental health crisis in the United States today, with half of young adults and one-third of all adults reporting that they have felt anxious either always or often in the past year.
Mental health providers throughout the country share a sense of urgency to find new ways to meet the high demand for services, and innovators are exploring interventions that diverge from traditional therapy models. "
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