The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant changes to our daily lives, including an impact on our mental health and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic. Due to concerns about potential increases in mental health conditions, 90% of surveyed countries included mental health and psychosocial support in their COVID-19 response plans, though notable gaps and concerns remain.
Texas, like many other states, has been navigating the challenges and adaptations required to meet this increased demand for mental health services during the pandemic.
The Challenges Facing Mental Health Therapy in Texas
The COVID-19 pandemic presented several obstacles to mental health therapy services in Texas. One of the most significant challenges is the increased demand for services. As a result of the pandemic, there has been a significant surge in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, leading to more people seeking therapy.
According to data, the number of children in Texas diagnosed with anxiety or depression in 2020 exceeded 500,000, indicating a significant increase of 23% from previous years. However, despite the increased need for mental health services, many individuals are struggling to find the help they need due to a shortage of therapists and long wait times.
Even before the pandemic, over 80% of Texas counties were designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning that there were more than 30,000 residents per clinician, and many experienced practitioners were approaching retirement.
Moreover, the pandemic impacted the mental health of mental health therapists themselves. Therapists are dealing with their own stressors related to the pandemic, which can impact their ability to provide quality care for their patients.
Therapists are also experiencing burnout due to the increased demand for services and the unique challenges of providing care during a pandemic.
The Adaptations Made by Mental Health Therapy in Texas
Despite the challenges, mental health therapy services in Texas have made significant adaptations to meet the increased demand for services during the pandemic.
One of the adaptations that mental health therapy services in Texas have adopted during the pandemic is teletherapy. This option has become increasingly popular and necessary for both therapists and patients.
With teletherapy, therapists can offer therapy sessions through video chat or phone calls, making it easier for patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. A simple search for “therapist near me” can help individuals find reliable providers who offer this option.
According to Zencare, studies have proven that online sessions through a secure video platform are just as effective as in-person sessions.
Moreover, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Forbes Health, which involved over 1,200 American adults, 63% of individuals who had used teletherapy reported that it was helpful. This indicates that teletherapy is a valid and effective choice for people looking for mental health therapy services.
Another adaptation is the expansion of mental health services in Texas. The state has made efforts to increase the number of therapists and mental health services available to the public.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has created mental health hotlines and resources to help those struggling with mental health issues. The state has also increased funding for mental health services, which has helped to support the expansion of services.
Lastly, mental health therapists in Texas have been supporting each other during the pandemic. Therapists have created support groups to help each other cope with the unique challenges of providing therapy during a pandemic.
These groups have allowed therapists to feel less isolated and more connected with their peers, which has helped them provide better care to their clients. Mental health therapists in Texas have demonstrated their resilience and dedication to their profession by supporting each other during these difficult times.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health therapy in Texas. While the pandemic has presented challenges, mental health therapy services in Texas have made significant adaptations to meet the increased demand for services.
The use of teletherapy, the expansion of mental health services, and the support of mental health therapists have all been critical to meeting the needs of Texans during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic, know that there is help available. Reach out to a mental health professional or hotline for support.