The Paradox of America's Mental Health: Peak Therapy, Worsening Conditions

Despite an increase in the number of people seeking therapy and mental health care in the United States, mental health outcomes have worsened. Suicide rates have risen, and a significant portion of adults report symptoms of depression or anxiety. While increased access to care and reduced stigma have contributed to more people seeking help, societal disruptions like the pandemic and the Great Recession have placed additional strain on an already overburdened system. Some experts argue that the issue goes beyond access and highlights the limitations of current psychiatric treatments, which may only scratch the surface of the complex mental health needs of individuals.