Skilled workers as the key to overcoming the shortage
Los Angeles – News Direct – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Almost half of US psychologists say they are unable to meet growing demand for services, and three-quarters say they have longer waiting lists than before the pandemic, in a new survey.
“This new survey confirms what we’ve already heard from patients: people struggle to access the mental health services they need,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “Now more than ever, it is important to expand the pipeline for mental health professionals and promote integrated behavioral health in primary care.”
The 2022 COVID-19 Practitioner Impact Survey of nearly 2,300 psychologists from the American Psychological Association found that demand for the treatment of anxiety and depression remained high for the third straight year, along with an increased demand for the treatment of stress-related disorders and mental health disorders substance use .
Six in 10 physicians said they were running out of options for new patients, nearly half (46%) said they could not meet treatment needs, and nearly three-quarters (72%) have longer waiting lists than before the pandemic . On average, psychologists reported being contacted by more than 15 potential new patients seeking help each month.
Almost eight in 10 psychologists (79%) said they had seen an increase in the number of patients with anxiety disorders since the pandemic began, and 66% had seen an increase in demand for treatment for depression.
Almost half (47%) said they have seen an increase in demand for substance use treatments (vs. 43% last year) and 64% had seen an increase in demand for trauma treatments (vs. 62% last year) . 2021). Additionally, two-thirds of psychologists reported seeing an increase in symptom severity in patients in 2022.
“The social, emotional and economic impact of a pandemic is still with us and will be for quite some time. In addition, the stressors associated with inflation, social and racial inequalities, political upheaval and international tensions make for an unsettled nation. At a time when mental health services are most needed, we are struggling the most to meet that need,” said Dr. Nealon. “Policymakers need to invest more in financial and programmatic support to ensure anyone seeking mental health services finds a professional who can understand them and help them.”
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a non-profit majority-minority institution that educates 6,000 students at seven campuses in major metropolitan areas across the country. Two in three identify as colored students, including a significant number of first-generation college students.
About the Chicago School of Professional Psychology:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology combines theory with hands-on experience to provide education grounded in a commitment to innovation, service, and community to thousands of diverse students across the United States and around the world. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university today has campuses in famous locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, DC, New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To help create positive change in the world where it matters most, the Chicago School has expanded its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certifications in professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business and more . Through its dedicated professional education model, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and extensive network of national and international professional partnerships, Chicago School students receive real-world educational opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be part of the TCS Education System, a not-for-profit, integrated system of colleges and universities working together to foster student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.
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