Increasing Access to Talk Therapy for Mental Health Care

SOURCE www.npr.org
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows that more American adults with mental health needs are receiving talk therapy, with a decline in those using only psychiatric medications. The study also found that more people are sticking with therapy after starting, likely due to increased accessibility through telehealth and expanded types of providers.

Key Points

  • More American adults with mental health needs are getting talk therapy
  • Use of only psychiatric medications is declining
  • More people are continuing therapy after starting
  • Increased accessibility through telehealth is helping more people access talk therapy

Pros

  • More American adults with mental health needs are receiving talk therapy
  • Decline in the number of people using only psychiatric medications for treatment
  • More people are sticking with therapy after starting
  • Increased accessibility through telehealth

Cons

  • The people benefiting the most from increased access tend to be the affluent