The number of people needing mental health services has surged during the pandemic. However, the actual challenge is they are languishing on waiting lists, getting turned away, struggling to find affordable options.
According to the poll of nearly 1,800 psychologists conducted by American Psychological Association published in November, 74 percent revealed of seeing more patients with anxiety disorders than before the pandemic. 60 percent said they see more patients with depressive disorders. While nearly 30 percent are seeing more patients overall.
Vaile Wright, the senior director of healthcare innovation at A.P.A said, this might not be the full extent of the demand for mental health practitioners as the survey didn’t cover therapists to ask if they needed to turn away clients as they were full with appointments.
Online therapy platforms have risen in demand during the pandemic.
Finding solutions:
If you need to consult a mental health provider but fail to find one taking new patients, ask if they know someone who may be accepting new patients. If they cannot help try asking a primary care provider for treatment or referrals.
If you still can’t find help call local colleges or universities asking to see a clinician in training. They have outpatient psychiatry departments that might have appointments or provide referrals.
Expand your search to other experts. A comparable option to a psychologist can be a licensed clinical social worker. You can opt for group therapy instead of an individual provider.
If you have insurance an in-network provider is most affordable. If you cannot find one, check if your plan has out-of-network benefits.
Explore online therapy services as you can reach someone quickly and may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Check if your employer offers benefits like flexible spending or a health savings account. They can allow you to use pretax money for particular medical expenses.
If you have serious symptoms needing quick attention, reach the local emergency room.