Even before COVID-19 caused rates of anxiety and depression to rise, the United States had a shortage of psychiatrists. Leaders are stepping up with a variety of innovative solutions, from collaborating with primary care providers to using cutting-edge digital technologies.
Communities all around the country suffered as a result of the fear of getting the deadly virus, the loss of loved ones, agonising social isolation, economic difficulties, and other significant stressors. In comparison to 11% prior to COVID, 40% of individuals reported having anxiety or depressive symptoms at the height of the pandemic. if you are interested more in this type of information let’s go with us Emory Patient Portal
This percentage gradually decreased to 33% in June 2022, which was still greater than pre-pandemic levels.
However, there are not nearly enough mental health experts in the United States to care for everyone who is ill. Already, places with a dearth of mental health professionals are home to more than 150 million people. According to analysts, between 14,280 and 31,109 psychiatrists will be needed in the nation within a few years, and psychologists, social workers, and other professionals would also be overworked.
The American Psychiatric Association's CEO and medical director, Saul Levin, MD, claims that there is a "chronic lack of psychiatrists" that will only get worse. "Person cannot receive care. Their lives are impacted, as is their capacity to work, interact socially, or simply get out of bed.
Additionally, some communities, notably those in rural areas, have a bigger gap between need and access. In reality, there isn't a single psychiatrist in more than half of American counties. According to Howard Liu, MD, MBA, a psychiatrist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, "you might have to wait months for an appointment – even for folks who are very unwell."
