According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Physician Pulse Survey, the ongoing mental health crisis poses a major hurdle for many psychologists as they respond to increasing demand from patients with serious conditions each year.
The survey was completed by 561 licensed psychologists between August 30 and September 29, 2023, and found that more than half (52%) of psychologists reported an increase in the severity of their patients’ symptoms. Not only did they report it, but it turned out that 1 in 41 psychologists reported it. St. reported that the increased number of sessions spent treating each patient may limit its ability to accept new patients.
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Similarly, more than half (56%) said they did not have room to accept new patients. Additionally, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of psychologists who maintain a waiting list say the average wait time for an initial appointment is up to three months, and 31 percent say their average wait time is up to three months. states that it has been over 3 months. Psychologists reported increased demand for treatments for certain mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders (68%) and trauma and stress-related disorders (50%).
“Psychologists are under pressure as the mental health crisis continues,” said APA CEO Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. “These findings highlight the continued demand for care, driven by increasing severity of symptoms and longer treatment courses, with year-over-year increases in demand for care. To further meet demand, comprehensive public health that affects people across the lifespan and addresses behavioral health as well as physical health is clear. Developing a strategy is essential.”
The study found that the psychologist workforce is already adapting to meet the changing needs of the population, for example as part of integrated care teams or in medical settings. More than four in five psychologists (86%) say they have worked collaboratively with other health care providers, and 59% say they do so often or very often. I answered. Collaborating providers also included psychiatrists (76 percent of psychologists reported collaborating with a psychiatrist, 38 percent of whom frequently collaborated). other physicians (45%, 17% of whom do so frequently); Occupational therapists (30%, 6% of whom frequently practice occupational therapy). Physician assistants (41%, 11% of whom do so frequently). community health workers (30%, of which 4% were frequent health workers); and speech therapists (28%, 5% frequently collaborate). In addition to mental health concerns, the psychologists found that 50% were treating patients with chronic pain, 42% were treating obesity or weight conditions, 27% were treating some symptoms of cancer, and 25% were treating high blood pressure. % reported that they also treat patients with physical illnesses.
“Integrated care, in which psychologists collaborate with other health care providers and the health care team, expands access to care, prioritizes preventive care, and better meets patients’ biological, psychological, and social needs. “That’s one of the ways we can find a way,” Evans said. “We must also support and expand the mental health workforce, foster innovation and technology, and help psychologists expand their reach in the communities where they live and work.”
Psychologists have shown they are adaptable by changing their work habits during the pandemic, including fully remote or hybrid practices. The poll found that only 21% (down from a peak of 64% in 2020) currently offer full telehealth, but more than two-thirds (67%) currently offer some patients We are working on a hybrid medical practice in which we examine patients directly and some patients. others remotely.
More than a third (36%) of psychologists report experiencing burnout, and one in five (21%) psychologists plan to reduce their practice time in the next 12 months. Stated. However, almost three-quarters (73%) said they were able to practice self-care, and almost two-thirds (63%) said they were able to maintain a positive work-life balance.
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