A prominent academic psychologist published an article in 2011 that shed light on "the person power problem" in mental health: There are far too many people in need of mental health services and far too few professionals available to provide those services.
The author called for a dramatic shift in the development and dissemination of evidence-based mental health interventions, away from the traditional model of one-on-one, weekly psychotherapy (the article focused on psychological interventions), and toward novel solutions that leverage technology, special settings, self-help, media, and more.
Hers reports that, more than a decade later, the problem continues—nearly a third of the U.S. population lives in a mental health professional shortage area, according to the Health Resources Service Administrators. These are the states that are affected the most.
In the states with the greatest shortages, less than 11% (on average) of the population's mental health needs are being met.
In the states faring best, about 60% (on average) of the population's mental health needs are being met.
That's a dramatic difference.
Mental health professional shortage areas are primarily based on the availability of psychiatrists.
Estimates from the HRSA indicate there will be a shortage of between 6,080 and 15,400 psychiatrists in 2025. Likely hundreds to thousands more psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors are necessary, as well.
Mental health needs are only increasing, with over 20% of American adults living with some mental illness. The inability to meet their needs is becoming a matter of life and death.
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control show that that the number of suicide deaths last year was the highest ever recorded—exceeding the previous record by over 1,000 deaths.
Though shortages still exist, the mental health field has come a long way in the past decade. It has expanded the suite of interventions to include self-help, peer support, group therapy, and coaching. There are stepped-care delivery models that drive individuals to the least resource intensive yet effective intervention available. The care is based on individual preferences and clinical severity, allowing licensed and specialty providers to focus on those with higher acuity and severity.
It also is now possible for individuals to receive care via telehealth. And legislative changes, such as the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allow providers to practice telepsychology across state lines.
Those in need can currently find help:
If you live in a location with limited access to licensed mental health providers, there are still ways to get access to evidence-based support:
It's complicated, but here are some ideas.
Everyone deserves access to quality care. You may be in the midst of a mental health crisis, and you may live in an area with a dire shortage of mental health providers, but there are options.
How does your state stack up?
Notes: Based on July 2023 data. Data for Vermont is unavailable.
Jessica Yu has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University
This story was produced by Hers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
