Study Highlights Disparity Between Americans’ Concerns About Mental Health and Those Receiving Care

More than 40% of Americans surveyed recently expressed concern about their mental health, but just 1 in 10 regularly see a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or well-being therapist, according to a study released this week by CVS Health and Harris Poll.

More than half (56%) of physicians surveyed also reported declining mental health among their patients.

The findings are based on a poll conducted in March among a national sample of 3400 Americans over the age of 18, physicians, and pharmacists. Interviews were conducted online, and data was weighted to approximate a target sample of people over the age of 18, physicians, and pharmacists based on gender, education level, age, race, and region. The poll was the sixth mental health survey released by CVS Health since April 2020.

The survey also showed differing outlooks on mental healthcare access between age groups, with the following survey results:

• Among respondents at least 57 years of age, 95% agreed that mental health and mental illnesses should be taken more seriously by society vs. 83% of those between the ages of 18 and 32.
• Meanwhile, a greater percentage of the 18-32 cohort reported that social media had negatively impacted their mental health, compared to 22% of those ages 57 and older.
• The 18-to-32 survey population was 6 times more likely than those 57 and older to rely on the internet or social media for accessing mental health information.
• Among those between the ages of 33 and 40, 85% agreed that digital services have made mental healthcare more accessible.

In January, CVS Health launched its Virtual Primary Care program, which includes a practice of physicians and nurse practitioners who help deliver primary care services through physician-led care teams, as well as mental healthcare service offerings that include appointments with licensed therapists and psychiatrists.

References

CVS Health study spotlights rising mental health concerns. News release. CVS Health. May 1, 2023. Accessed May 3, 2023.

CVS Health launches new virtual primary care offering, expands access to mental health support. News release. CVS Health. January 23, 2023. Accessed May 3, 2023.

Landi H. CVS Health goes live with virtual care service with a focus on primary care, mental health. Fierce Healthcare. Published online January 31, 2023. Accessed May 3, 2023.