Shared by Linda Michaels on Linkedin

ABSTRACT
The world has changed since we conducted our first research study, in
March of 2020, to understand the general public’s attitudes, needs, and perceptions about mental health and psychotherapy. The coronavirus pandemic, a significant growth in the demand for therapy, a renewed recognition of systemic racial and economic inequities, the massive expansion of telehealth, and the increasing presence of technology companies in the mental health space, have impacted the country and our field.

We conducted a new research study in 2023, using the same methodology we used in 2020, as an attempt to “listen” to the public once again. We learned that people are struggling with a number of stressors and mental health challenges, while not receiving as much emotional support as they would have wanted. Overall, we were encouraged to learn that central elements of therapies of depth, insight, and relationship continue to have strong support and value for the public. People value getting to the root of what troubles them, recognize the importance of relational aspects of therapy, and believe that therapy is a worthwhile investment in themselves.

Despite the prevalence of telehealth, the majority of people reported a preference for in-person treatment. Finally, a general perception of high costs remains the main declared barrier to accessing therapy. The framework we developed in 2020 for communication and engagement with the public remains valid based on what we heard from them in 2023. Main takeaways and implications for future action are provided.