American Hospital Association May 23, 2019
A new mother struggling with postpartum depression. A student experiencing anxiety because of academic or social pressures or both. An older adult dealing with a chronic disease as well as depression.
People battling behavioral health issues are all around us, but many of them suffer in silence.
Nearly 44 million Americans have a behavioral health disorder, but fewer than 50 percent receive the treatment they need. At the same time, we’re facing an escalating shortage of practicing psychiatrists. More than 60 percent of psychiatrists are 55 or older and near retirement. By 2025, demand for behavioral health care may outstrip supply by 6,090 to 15,600 psychiatrists, according to a 2017 National Council for Behavioral Health report.
In...