Fact Check Team: Why access to a mental health provider has become a major challenge
byMORGAN STEPHENS| Fact Check Team
Thu, July 9th 2026 at 3:23 PM
3
VIEW ALL PHOTOS
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 30: U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) departs the U.S. Capitol on June 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. Rep. Kean delivered a speech on the House floor to explain his four month absence from Congress, which he said was due to diagnosed depression. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
-
Mental healthWorkforce shortageTelehealthInsurance accessProvider wait timesRural communitiesBurnoutBehavioral health
WASHINGTON (TNND) —After New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. spoke openly on the House floor about a depression diagnosis, it sparked more conversation about mental health in America
In the past decade, more Americans are talking openly about mental health — but for many people seeking help, finding a provider remains one of the biggest obstacles
Experts say the U.S. is facing a growing mental health workforce shortage, leaving patients with long wait times, limited choices and, in some cases, no available care at all. The shortage comes as demand for mental health services continues to rise. Rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions have increased in recent years, and more people are seeking therapy and psychiatric care than ever before
But the supply of providers has not kept up
A nationwide shortage of mental health providers
The U.S. has roughly one mental health provider for every 300 people, according to estimates tracking the availability of behavioral health professionals. That shortage includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors and other mental health specialists
The problem is especially severe inrural and underserved communities, where patients may have to travel long distances or wait months for an appointment
But experts say the issue is not limited to where someone lives. Even in areas with more providers, patients can face another challenge: finding someone who is accepting new clients and takes their insurance
Cost is only one barrier
Mental health care can be expensive, but experts say affordability is only part of the problem
For people with insurance, finding an in-network provider can still be difficult. Some therapists choose not to accept insurance because of low reimbursement rates, administrative requirements and the time involved in navigating insurance systems
That means some patients may be left choosing between paying out of pocket, waiting for an available provider or going without care
Meanwhile, the mental health workforce shortage has been building for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the demand for services as telehealth provided patients with more access from their homes. Providers report high levels of burnout as they manage larger caseloads and increasing complexity among patients seeking treatment. Training more providers also takes time. Becoming a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed therapist typically requires years of education and supervised experience, making it difficult to quickly expand the workforce.
Possible solutions
Health officials and lawmakers have proposed several ways to improve access, including:
- Expanding mental health training programs
- Increasing funding for behavioral health services
- Growing the use of telehealth options
- Strengthening mental health services in schools and workplaces
- Encouraging more providers to practice in underserved areas
Supporters say addressing the crisis will require both increasing the number of available providers and making it easier for patients to afford and access care
The demand for mental health care is growing, but the nation’s supply of providers has struggled to keep pace. For many Americans, the challenge is not recognizing they need help — it is finding someone who can provide it
Stay Connected
© 2026 Sinclair, Inc.
TermsPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyCookie Preferences
