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The American Psychological Association (APA) has reported a consistent rise in the demand for mental health services over the past three years, leading to a situation where many psychologists are unable to meet the growing needs of patients exhibiting more severe symptoms and requiring prolonged treatment.

This information is part of the findings from an annual survey conducted by the APA, initiated in 2020, to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on practicing psychologists.

A significant portion of psychologists have observed an uptick in individuals seeking mental health care this year, contributing to the already extensive waiting lists. Over 56% of psychologists indicated their inability to take on new patients. Among those maintaining waitlists, the average wait period extended beyond three months, with nearly 40% noting an increase in their waitlist size over the past year.

According to psychologist Vaile Wright, senior director of Health Care Innovation at the APA, the current scenario underscores a critical imbalance between the high demand for mental health services and the limited availability of these services.

"We continue to see incredibly high demand for mental health services and an incredibly limited supply. This is not a sustainable solution to addressing the mental health crisis in this country," Wright was quoted by MPR News as saying.

The survey also revealed a surge in people seeking assistance for specific mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma and stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, and addiction. More than half of the psychologists noted that the duration of treatment required by patients had increased.

Wright attributed these trends to the enduring mental health consequences of the pandemic. She explained that the pandemic's trauma manifested in various forms, ranging from the grief of losing loved ones to personal illness and the strain from pandemic-induced changes in social life, employment, and caregiving responsibilities.

Wright pointed out that the full mental health impact of these stressors often emerges after the immediate crisis has subsided.

"It's when things actually start to quiet down that the impacts of all that we've gone through, all that stress, actually start to hit us," she explained.

Furthermore, mental health care providers have been facing significant challenges since the onset of the pandemic, adapting to restrictions and the growing demand for services.

"It's been just very difficult the last number of years, first pivoting to virtual and now pivoting back to accommodation of in-person and hybrid," remarked psychologist Mary Alvord, founder of Alvord, Baker & Associates in Chevy Chase and Rockville, Maryland, via MPR News.

Alvord, who did not participate in the survey, observed a preference shift among patients, with children increasingly seeking in-person sessions, while adults tend to favor virtual meetings after initial face-to-face consultations.

The survey also indicated that 36% of psychologists experienced burnout, a slight decrease from 41% in 2021 but still a substantial proportion. On a positive note, two-thirds of psychologists have been practicing self-care to manage work-related pressures and burnout, with nearly half utilizing peer support for their well-being.

Alvord echoed the importance of peer support in her practice, emphasizing the role of consult groups and personal stress-relief activities like regular walking as essential coping strategies.