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Demand for mental health services rises in city
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Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 4:25 GMT by BBC- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Rising Demand for Mental Health Care: A Growing Crisis in the United States
The past decade has seen a dramatic surge in the need for mental health services across the country, a trend that has accelerated during the COVID‑19 pandemic and is now outpacing the ability of the healthcare system to meet it. A recent AOL News story, “Demand for mental‑health services rises,” published on March 24, 2023, pulls together data from federal agencies, professional associations, and real‑world anecdotes to paint a picture of a nation grappling with unprecedented mental‑health needs.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 42 % of adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2022, up from 35 % the year before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added that 1 in 5 adults—about 61 million people—saw a mental‑health provider during 2022, a 20 % jump over the previous five years.
The article cites the Kaiser Family Foundation’s (KFF) Mental Health Care Gap Survey, which found that 48 % of adults who needed treatment did not receive it in the past year. Among the most affected are young adults aged 18‑24, for whom the gap is the widest, and individuals of color, who often face barriers related to stigma, cost, and cultural mistrust.
Why the Surge?
The COVID‑19 pandemic was a tipping point. Lockdowns, job loss, and the isolation of social distancing put a wrench in the gears of many people’s emotional lives. The article quotes Dr. Maya Singh, a clinical psychologist in Seattle, who notes that “the pandemic essentially exposed and amplified existing mental‑health vulnerabilities.”
Economic strain, grief, and the blurring lines between work and home life further contributed to anxiety. Meanwhile, the rise of social media, especially among teenagers, has led to increased reports of depression and self‑harm. A report linked in the article from the American Psychological Association (APA) underscores that the prevalence of major depressive episodes among adolescents jumped from 4 % in 2019 to 7 % in 2022.
A Shortage of Providers
Even as demand swells, the supply of qualified mental‑health professionals has lagged. The article highlights that the number of psychiatrists per 100,000 people is 9 % lower than in 2000. Nurse‑practitioner and physician assistant‑led practices have stepped in, but their capacity is still limited. A Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study referenced in the article links this shortage to the lack of reimbursement for certain behavioral health services.
Telehealth has been a partial remedy, but the article explains that not all patients have reliable internet access or the digital literacy needed to use virtual platforms. Rural areas, in particular, are seeing stark disparities: a Health Affairs analysis cited in the story notes that only 12 % of rural counties have a mental‑health professional available within a 30‑minute drive.
Policy Responses and Funding
In response, lawmakers have begun to move. The article reports that President Biden’s $2.7 billion “Mental Health First‑Aid” grant will be distributed across community health centers, schools, and private practices. The federal government has also expanded eligibility for the Health Insurance Marketplace to include mental‑health services without copayments, a move supported by the American Medical Association.
At the state level, several initiatives are underway. In California, the Mental Health Services Act is funding the expansion of tele‑psychiatry programs to underserved neighborhoods. The article follows a link to the California Department of Health Care Services, which details a new partnership with a nonprofit to hire 150 community mental‑health workers over the next year.
The article also references the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, noting that recent federal guidance now requires that mental‑health services be reimbursed at the same rate as medical services—an effort to eliminate the cost barrier that often deters patients from seeking help.
The Role of Schools and Employers
Education institutions are stepping up, too. The article details how the National School-Based Health Alliance is offering free counseling hours on campuses nationwide, while the American Federation of Teachers is lobbying for additional mental‑health resources in schools. Many schools are adopting social‑emotional learning curricula to help students develop coping strategies before crises hit.
Employers are also acknowledging the problem. A survey cited in the story found that 72 % of companies now offer comprehensive mental‑health benefits, including remote therapy sessions and employee‑assistance programs. However, the article points out that small businesses still lag, with only 18 % providing mental‑health benefits.
Looking Ahead
While funding has increased, the article stresses that the growth in demand is likely to continue. Experts cited in the piece argue that policy alone will not solve the crisis; a concerted effort is needed to expand training pipelines for mental‑health professionals, increase public awareness to reduce stigma, and integrate mental‑health care into primary care settings.
The story ends on a hopeful note, with Dr. Singh remarking that “if we treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health, we can begin to close the gap.” But the author underscores that achieving this vision will require sustained political will, private sector engagement, and community involvement.
Sources and Further Reading
- CDC Mental Health: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/
- California Department of Health Care Services: https://www.cdhs.ca.gov/
- Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: https://www.mentalhealth.gov
By weaving together data, expert testimony, and policy analysis, the AOL News article offers a sobering yet actionable overview of America’s mental‑health crisis—one that is demanding immediate and comprehensive response.
Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.aol.com/news/demand-mental-health-services-rises-054249336.html ]
