Recent research highlights a notable shift in mental health treatment trends in the United States. Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the study reveals a rise in the number of American adults pursuing talk therapy, while reliance solely on psychiatric medications has decreased for the first time in years.
According to Dr. Mark Olfson, a psychiatrist and epidemiologist at Columbia University, “We’re seeing that during this time, this increase represents a period where psychotherapy is assuming a more important role in outpatient mental health care.” The percentage of adults engaging in talk therapy rose from 6.5% in 2018 to 8.5% in 2021, equating to an increase from approximately 16.5 million to nearly 22 million people.
Historically, the use of talk therapy had been declining since the late 1990s as psychiatric medications, like Prozac and other SSRIs, became more prevalent. However, between 2018 and 2021, a reversal of this trend was observed. Among those receiving outpatient mental health care, the proportion relying solely on medications fell from 67.6% to 62.1%. This shift was particularly noted among individuals with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.
Moreover, the study identified that more patients persisted with therapy, attending more sessions annually compared to past years. Dr. Olfson suggests this indicates increased accessibility and understanding of psychotherapy. Dr. Jessi Gold, chief wellness officer at the University of Tennessee System, adds that awareness about therapy has grown, noting, “I think if you are more aware of what even therapy looks like, you don’t expect yourself to be fixed immediately or you don’t turn off from it immediately.”
Telehealth’s Role in Expanding Access
The expansion of telehealth during the pandemic has further facilitated access to talk therapy. Dr. Gold observes, “I think telehealth did increase access for people who might not have had any access to a therapist in their particular location or times.” This technological advancement has broadened the conversation around mental health.
The range of professionals providing therapy has also expanded, now including licensed counselors and social workers, which has diversified access to services. “When you have a demand and a need for access, creative models come into play,” says Gold. “We have really looked at how to increase access and increase models of care, and that doesn’t always require an M.D. or a Ph.D.”
Challenges in Accessibility
Despite these positive developments, accessibility remains uneven, with those benefiting most being typically affluent individuals with higher education and private insurance, often living in urban areas, according to Dr. Olfson. He hopes these findings will drive efforts to improve mental health care access for less affluent populations.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that only about half of all Americans with any mental illness received treatment in the past year, underscoring the need for enhanced accessibility.
—
Read More Michigan News
