"Disparities in Telehealth Access for Mental Health Treatment Across US States"

A study by the think tank Rand Corporation revealed that Americans are facing varying wait times for virtual mental healthcare, with some waiting up to two and a half months for appointments. Access to care varies widely by state, with Southern states generally having shorter wait times than those on the coasts. The study attributed longer wait times to shortages of mental health providers, telehealth policies, and access to high-speed internet. The US is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Telehealth has become more prevalent, especially in rural areas, offering a more accessible avenue for timely communication with healthcare providers.