The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the United States, particularly its youth, is facing a mental health crisis. While the trend of poor mental health was observed before COVID-19, the issue was worsened by pandemic-related factors.
Drug overdose and suicide currently remain as leading causes of death in the country. Many of the deaths also could have been preventable, as they are commonly associated with mental distress and poor mental health.
The United States is also experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals. The country needs more psychologists, counsellors, and nurses specializing in mental health, like psychiatric nurse practitioners.
What is the Mental Health Crisis?
The mental health crisis, as explained by organizations such as the CDC and Pew, is a new public health threat. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages across the nation are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression.
One organization reports that the ongoing mental health crisis actually consists of three distinct crises that overlap. These crises are the growing youth mental health crisis, the rise in substance use disorders, and the increasing number of serious mental illnesses.
Understanding the mental health crisis lays down the foundation to understand the mental health gap and its impact on the nation. Many of the factors that are worsening the crisis are caused by the gap and disparities in healthcare.
Understanding the Mental Health gap
The mental health gap refers to the ‘gap’ between the number of people experiencing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders and those who actually receive help. This gap is caused by various reasons, such as costs, stigma, and workforce shortages. Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health reveal that in 2022, among the 59.3 million adults estimated to have any mental illness, only half (50.6%) received mental health treatment.
Similarly, in 2022, among the 15.4 million adults who were reported to have a serious mental illness, only 10.2 million (66.7%) received treatment. This data shows there is a significant portion of adults who aren’t receiving the care they need.
The mental health gap is a complex issue that will require a multifaceted solution. There are also numerous factors contributing to the gap widening every year, which include:
- The workforce shortage: As of August 2024, more than one-third of the United States population lives in areas with a mental health professional shortage.
- Social determinants: People living in unfavourable social circumstances experience inequity in accessing mental health care and are more vulnerable.
- High out-of-pocket costs: Mental health treatments are often more expensive than physical health care, and aren’t covered by insurance the same way.
- Lack of care: Many minority and underserved groups, like people of color, non-English speakers, and LGBTQ communities, struggle to find appropriate and inclusive services.
Barriers to obtaining mental health treatment are getting worse worldwide. A report from Mental Health America reveals that nearly 1 in 4 adults who experienced 14 or more mentally unhealthy days were unable to see a doctor due to costs. In order to obtain the optimum mental health treatment, it is necessary to highlight the importance of understanding this gap. One way to contribute to fixing the mental health crisis is by developing skills to provide mental health care alongside nursing through enrolling in some of the best online PMHNP programs.
The workforce shortage
There is a massive workforce shortage, causing issues with mental health provider availability in the United States. Mental Health America outlines that on average, there are 340 people for every one mental health provider. With more than one-third of the United States population (122 million) living in a mental health workforce shortage area, only 27% of people’s mental health needs in these areas are being met.
The mental health workforce shortage is impacting all areas of the United States, from metropolitan regions to rural and remote communities. Similarly, there is a shortage in all professions, including:
- Counsellors
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Mental health nurses
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners
This workforce shortage is being caused by a range of factors, including:
- Lack of funding
- Low retention
- The increased need for mental health services
- An aging workforce
- Burnout
COVID-19 also exacerbated and accelerated many of the factors contributing to the workforce shortage. For example, healthcare workers reported unprecedented levels of burnout and poor mental health during the pandemic—leading many to retire or consider other career paths.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners
The shortage of licensed mental health professionals is constantly worsening the mental health gap and contributing to the nationwide crisis. Fortunately, many nurses are stepping up and pursuing a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (psychiatric nurse practitioner) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse. They are a healthcare provider that cares for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can prescribe medication, provide therapy, and diagnose/treat a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, dementia, and personality disorders.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can also provide therapy services and fill a similar role to psychiatrists. The profession is helping bridge the mental health gap as it’s helping reduce the workforce shortage. This is because it’s faster to fill the mental health workforce with nurses specializing in the field than waiting the 5-7 years it takes for an aspiring student to become a registered psychologist or psychiatrist.
If you’re looking to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, this will require:
- Attending nursing school to become a registered nurse, for example, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to officially become a registered nurse (RN).
- After passing the NCLEX, you can go directly into an MSN program that offers a pathway to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Typically, these are called PMHNP programs.
Conclusion
This article has explored why the U.S. needs more psychiatric nurse practitioners to bridge the mental health gap, discussing the workforce shortage and pathways to a career in mental healthcare nursing.
