Urgent Call for Reform of the Behavioral Health Crisis in America
Across America, millions of families are grappling with the consequences of an escalating behavioral health crisis. Whether it is the devastating toll of mental illness, the grip of substance use disorders, or the mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic that shows no signs of letting up, the need for action has never been more urgent. If we do not make meaningful, systemic changes to our behavioral health system now, the crisis will only deepen.
Today, more Americans are struggling with behavioral health issues than ever before. Our children, especially, are facing an uphill battle—suicide rates among teens have spiked, and anxiety and depression are at record highs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24 in the United States (CDC, 2023). Anxiety and depression in adolescents have also surged, with nearly one-third of high school students reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness (CDC, 2023).
The truth is, the behavioral health system in America is fragmented, underfunded, and overwhelmed. Access to care is often limited or nonexistent, particularly in rural and underserved communities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than half of people with mental health issues don’t receive the treatment they need, with the gap especially wide for those in rural or low-income areas (NIMH, 2021).
Why? For one, there’s a severe shortage of mental health professionals, especially those trained to deal with the complex needs of individuals struggling with both mental illness and addiction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2030, there will be a need for an additional 67,000 mental health counselors to meet the growing demand (BLS, 2021). Additionally, insurance coverage remains a major obstacle. While mental health parity laws require insurers to cover behavioral health services comparably to physical health services, many patients still face high out-of-pocket costs, long wait times, or policies that limit the type and length of care (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2020).
On top of that, stigma is a powerful force that continues to silence those in need of help. We have made great strides in destigmatizing mental health challenges, but there is still work to be done. A 2022 report from the American Psychological Association found that 44% of adults with mental health conditions still report feeling embarrassed about seeking care, and this stigma disproportionately affects marginalized groups (APA, 2022).
There is a growing movement to integrate behavioral health services with primary care, recognizing that treating the whole person—not just one aspect of their health—is key to better health outcomes. Research shows that integrated care models improve access, reduce costs, and enhance outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders (Baker et al., 2021). States are also beginning to expand access to treatment, especially in rural areas, and private organizations are stepping up as well, with more employers offering mental health services as part of their health insurance plans. Still, the road to better behavioral health outcomes will require more than incremental change—it will require a revolution in how we approach care.
The time to act is now. If we are to address the behavioral health crisis that affects millions of Americans, we must push for comprehensive reforms. I urge you to get involved, to support policies that improve behavioral health care, and to advocate for change. If we can come together as a society, there is hope for a future where behavioral health is treated with the same urgency and importance as any other health issue.
References
Baker, S. M., Jones, C. M., & White, L. K. (2021). The impact of integrated care models on outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. American Journal of Public Health, 111(5), 850-857.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mental Health Counselors. U.S. Department of Labor. www.bls.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Suicide Rising Across the U.S.. www.cdc.gov
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2020). Mental Health Parity: A Guide to Coverage. www.nami.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Mental Health Statistics. www.nimh.nih.gov
American Psychological Association (APA). (2022). Mental Health Stigma in the U.S.: A National Survey. www.apa.org
By: Carley DeRoche
Executive Director