Post-Pandemic, the US Is Facing a Shortage of Mental Health Care Providers

After years of global disease, isolation and increased social media use, more Americans are seeking behavioral health care than ever before. But due to increased demand, the U.S. is now facing a shortage of psychological care providers — including psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors — that may prevent many from getting the help they need.

One 2018 projection from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projected severe shortages of psychological professionals in relation to expected demand by 2030 — and notably, that study was done before the pandemic.

Which is to say, the situation may be even worse than researchers originally expected.

What’s causing the mental health care provider shortage?

The global spread of a deadly disease and ensuing shutdowns caused "mass trauma," according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), "even bigger than what the world experienced after the Second World War."

Sure enough, that trauma presented itself in the form of even more patients seeking therapy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the total share of adults who received mental treatment of any kind increased from 19.2% to 21.6% between 2019 and 2021. Another report published in the JAMA Health Forum found that the overall utilization of mental health services grew 38.8% by August 2022 as compared to before the pandemic.

In tandem with the pandemic’s isolation, social media use has also been on the rise. Researchers estimate that as of 2024, more than 60% of the global population is logging on. Some studies indicate increased social media usage time is correlated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Unsurprisingly, these trends have translated into more burdensome workdays for existing therapists — and more difficulty accessing care for patients. An American Psychological Association (APA) 2021 survey of mental health professionals also found providers reporting increased levels of demand, leading to higher workloads and mounting waitlists. Some 46% of the surveyed therapists said they were burnt out.

And though psychology remains one of the most popular undergraduate majors, only a fraction of those psych majors will go on to pursue therapeutic positions. While some studies indicate that more students on the medical track are pursuing psychiatry than in the past, far more specialize in family, internal, or pediatric medicine — or surgery.

How to find — and afford — the mental health care you need

Obviously, under these circumstances, finding a therapist can be a challenge — but one worth taking on to get the mental health care you deserve. Websites like the APA’s psychologist locator can help you see who’s available in your area and filter down by factors like specialization and treatment methods.

These days, many psychologists and counselors are also contracted with major insurance networks — and with out-of-pocket rates that can easily surpass $150 a session, coverage can mean major savings. Double-check your plan to see what’s included, looking for words like "behavioral health," and filter your search for therapists who work with your insurer.

Most health insurance plans will cover therapy if you have a diagnosed mental health condition, though you will likely need to meet your deductible before treatment is covered, or be responsible for a copay for each session. Comparing health insurance plans during open enrollment can help ensure you have access to the care you need, even if you don’t need it yet.

Finally, just as you shop around for the right health insurance, take the time to shop around for the right therapist, too. Consulting with multiple providers can help ensure that you’ve found a fit — and even therapists that aren’t a match may have referrals to others who are.