Improving Access to Psychiatric Care: A National Call to Action

As more Americans face mental health challenges, one truth is becoming painfully clear: we must prioritize improving access to psychiatric care. From rural communities to bustling cities, people are struggling to find the support they need—and it’s taking a toll on individuals, families, and our healthcare system as a whole.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently sent a powerful message to national leaders, calling for bold policy changes that would ensure high-quality mental health treatment is not a luxury, but a right. In this article, we break down the APA’s recommendations and why they matter for patients, psychiatrists, students, and mental health clinics alike.

Why Access to Mental Health Care Is Still So Hard

Even as mental health becomes a more openly discussed topic, there are still massive gaps in care. According to the APA, nearly 150 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. Meanwhile, suicide rates have increased by 36% over the past two decades—yet many people struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe depression still face long waitlists or lack of local resources.

What’s getting in the way?

• A shrinking psychiatric workforce

• Burdensome insurance policies like prior authorizations

• Outdated regulations that limit telehealth

• Lack of funding for community programs and hospital beds

Improving Access to Psychiatric Care Starts with Smart Policy

In letters sent to Congress and former President Trump, the APA laid out several clear steps to improve psychiatric care in the U.S.:

1. Expand the psychiatric workforce. More residency slots, better visa support for international doctors, and investment in mental health training would increase the number of available professionals.

2. Lift outdated restrictions. For example, removing the “IMD exclusion” would allow more Medicaid patients to receive inpatient psychiatric treatment.

3. Make telehealth permanent. The APA urged Congress to eliminate the requirement for an in-person visit before telehealth mental health services can be covered long-term.

4. Fix the stimulant shortage. A coordinated, transparent approach is needed to prevent medication shortages that harm people with ADHD and other disorders.

5. Support collaborative care models. Integrating psychiatry into primary care settings has been shown to improve outcomes and reach more people—especially in underserved communities.

The Role of Neuromodulation in Improving Access to Psychiatric Care

Neuromodulation therapies like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) are already showing promise for patients who don’t respond to medication. As more clinics adopt these innovative tools, ensuring insurance coverage and clinician training becomes crucial. Widening access to evidence-based treatments like TMS could significantly reduce the burden on the broader mental health system.

Advocacy: Everyone Has a Role

The APA is encouraging psychiatrists and mental health professionals to get involved in shaping policy. From attending annual meetings to joining advocacy networks, there's room for every voice. Because when it comes to mental health, silence is not an option—and access shouldn’t be a barrier.

The future of mental health in America depends on one critical action: improving access to psychiatric care. With the right policies, funding, and public awareness, we can help more people get the help they deserve. Let’s make mental health care equitable, evidence-based, and truly accessible for all.

Citations:

1. O’Connor, K. (2025). APA Urges New Administration, Congress to Prioritize Mental Health. Psychiatric News. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.03.3.41

2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Health Workforce Shortage Areas. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/mental-health-workforce