Psychologists have reported an increase in the demand for treatment of anxiety and depression since the start of the pandemic
According to a new survey by the American Psychological Association, 84% of psychologists who treat anxiety disorders have said that they have seen an increase in demand for anxiety treatment since the start of the pandemic.
72% of psychologists who treat depressive disorders have also said they have seen an increase in the demand for treatment of depression.
The number of psychologists who reported receiving more referrals this year almost doubled from last year and 68% with a waitlist reported that it had grown longer since the start of the pandemic.
Burnout
However, 41% have reported that they are unable to meet the demand for treatment and 46% said they felt burned out.
“As more people seek treatment for mental health conditions, the demands on psychological practitioners have increased,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s CEO. “Like many other health care providers, psychologists are feeling the pressure.
Remote health services
“These numbers highlight what we have been saying since the early days of the pandemic – we are facing a mental health tsunami. We need to continue to support treatment via telehealth, and we must invest in screening, prevention, and innovative interventions to expand access to various levels of care.”
According to the survey results, 96% of clinical psychologists continue to provide at least some services remotely and 50% have adopted a hybrid approach.
