Behavioral Health in 2024: Acknowledging the Shift
Article by Kacie Kostelecky
Behavioral Health in the United States is Chainging
Behavioral health, encompassing both mental health and substance use disorders, is a critical aspect of overall well-being. In the United States, the landscape of behavioral health is undergoing significant changes, driven by a growing awareness of mental health issues, increased prevalence of conditions, and evolving treatment approaches. According to Mental Health America, nearly 20% (almost 50 million) of adults experience a mental illness each year and over half (around 55%) of adults with a mental illness don't receive treatment. Around 8% of adults have had a substance use disorder in the past year.
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Old Problem, Young Issues
Children who have been introduced to screens between the ages of 6 – 24 months have a 49% increased risk of developing speech delays, according to “Children and Screens.” Another study which evaluated the rate of speech delay diagnosis by age two in 1,667,926 children, found that children who have turned two years old since the start of the pandemic (2020) are more likely to have a speech delay diagnosis compared to those who turned two in earlier years. Speech delay diagnoses have increased from an average of 9.0% of children in 2018 to 11.8% in the last quarter of 2021 and 16.9% in the first quarter of 2023.
Nichole Spooner, Director, Comprehensive Services, Next Door Foundation commented during an interview with PBS News, “They were facing isolation, stress with their families, trauma, things of that nature. They're coming in now with some challenging behaviors, speech delays and things of that nature. I think we're up about 10 percent right now.”
Telehealth on the Rise:
Technological advancements are transforming how behavioral health services are delivered. Telehealth, the use of telecommunications for remote healthcare, is becoming increasingly popular. This allows individuals in geographically isolated areas or with transportation limitations to connect with providers. Medicare claims for telehealth services found that claims involving treatment for depression, anxiety or substance use disorders rose from about 1% in February 2020 to about 53-59% in April 2020. By April 2020, telehealth claims for mental health diagnoses accounted for more than 51% of all mental health claims.
In another study of 12,828 mental health treatment facilities, the percentage of facilities offering telehealth services more than doubled from 39.4% in 2019 to 88.1% in 2022.
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Integration is Key:
According to Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care: A Guide to Integrating Services, Many primary care visits, up to 75%, involve mental or behavioral health. This can include managing chronic conditions, mental health problems, substance use, and how stress, diet, and exercise affect health. These factors significantly impact health outcomes and can be frustrating for doctors because some patients lack access to mental health care due to insurance or availability issues. The interconnectedness of mental and physical health is becoming increasingly recognized. Behavioral health integration (BHI) is a growing trend where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians to provide a more holistic approach to patient care.
Challenges Remain:
Despite the positive changes, significant challenges persist. There's a shortage of qualified behavioral health providers, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, ensuring affordable and accessible treatment for all remains a hurdle, especially for those with limited insurance coverage.
The Road Ahead:
The future of behavioral health in the US is one of both promise and challenge. Continued efforts to address stigma, expand access to care through telehealth and BHI, and address provider shortages are crucial. With ongoing advancements, the hope is that comprehensive and effective behavioral healthcare becomes a reality for all Americans.