A recent poll by the American Psychological Association has revealed that the demand for mental health treatment has risen even though many psychologists say they can no longer accept new patients.

According to the 2022 COVID-19 Practitioner Impact Survey, treatment for illnesses connected to trauma and stressors as well as substance use disorders is in greater demand than treatments for anxiety and depression, which have been popular for three years.

Nearly half (46 per cent) of practitioners stated they were unable to handle the demand for care, and nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) have lengthier waitlists than before the pandemic. Six in ten practitioners indicated they no longer have space for new patients. Psychologists reported getting in touch with more than 15 possible new patients each week on average.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more patients with anxiety disorders and 66 per cent more people seeking treatment for depression, the survey found.

A rise in demand for substance abuse treatment was reported by nearly half (47 per cent) (up from 43 per cent the previous year), and a rise in demand for trauma therapy was reported by 64 per cent (up from 62 per cent in 2021). Additionally, according to two-thirds of psychologists, patients' symptom severity would likely worsen in 2022.

"The national mental health crisis continues," said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. "If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Psychological science shows that social support is key to developing resilience, so if you are having difficulty accessing care in a timely way, reach out to others to find support and identify ways to cope."

The poll also revealed a rise in the need for mental health treatments, particularly among young people and healthcare professionals. In terms of age groupings, adolescents aged 13 to 17 saw the highest increase in patients, with 46 per cent of psychologists reporting increases over the previous 12 months.

Psychologists also reported significant increases in patients between the ages of 18 and 25 (40 per cent) and children under 13 (38 per cent) during the same time period. Since the start of the pandemic, more healthcare workers have sought treatment, according to nearly half (46 per cent) of psychologists.

"Having timely access to psychological services is critical for addressing the needs of those diagnosed with behavioural health challenges," said Evans.

"But we need to tackle this problem with a variety of solutions, beyond individual therapy. We need to support and expand the workforce, promote integrated behavioural health into primary care, improve mental health literacy, and use technology and innovation to expand the reach and improve efficiency. But critically, we must expand our paradigm for addressing behavioural health - especially if we are to successfully address health disparities - by using more public health strategies to reach people earlier and in the places where they live, work, play and worship," he said.

The percentage of psychologists who see all patients in person has increased from 4 per cent in 2021 to 11 per cent as the epidemic recedes and in-person interactions have become more widespread. However, telemedicine is still a viable option.

More than half of psychologists (58 per cent) currently see some patients virtually and others in person, and 31 per cent reported seeing all patients through telehealth (down from 47 per cent in 2021), the survey revealed.

Patients from underserved populations, such as those who reside in rural areas and communities of colour, as well as those who might not otherwise be able to get treatment, might benefit from telehealth services by expanding their access to care. The APA is still pushing for increased insurance company telehealth coverage, including audio-only coverage, and reimbursement at the same rate as in-person counselling.

More than four in ten (45 per cent) psychologists reported feeling burned out as a result of the ongoing need for mental health care. The majority of psychologists claimed they were able to exercise self-care (77 per cent), able to maintain a favourable work-life balance (63 per cent), and that sought peer counsel or help to manage burnout.