
The growing need for mental health services in the United States has become increasingly urgent, as more individuals struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. In 2022, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 90% of Americans believe the country is facing a mental health crisis, with nearly half of young adults experiencing feelings of anxiety. The pandemic has been one driver of these sentiments.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2022 Covid-19 Practitioner Impact Survey, 79% of psychologists said that they had seen an increase in the number of patients with anxiety disorders since the beginning of the pandemic and 66% had seen an increase in demand for treatment for depression. Despite the rising demand for care, many individuals are unable to access the support they need due to barriers such as high costs, stigma, and a shortage of mental health professionals. As the demand for services continues to outpace the availability of care, addressing this mental health crisis has become a critical priority for both public health and policy leaders.
Traditionally, mental health services were developed and delivered locally, based on the specific needs of a community and the availability of resources. These services were often disconnected from one another and separate from the general healthcare system, with different communities offering varying types and levels of care. Treatment was typically provided in isolated settings, such as individual clinics, hospitals, or residential facilities, and there was little coordination between services.
Mental health and substance use programs were often tailored to local needs, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent approach to care. Fundamental mental health services include a combination of screening, psychotherapy, prescribed medications and/or devices, inpatient stays, education for family members, and mobile crisis response services. More recently there has been a greater push for stronger integration into the existing healthcare system to combat the challenges many individuals face in accessing comprehensive and continuous care.
At SAKS Health we have extensive experience in the mental health space and even had the opportunity to work with the first FDA approved digital therapeutic for schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depressive disorder (MDD). This innovation tried to use technology to fill the gaps in care by embedding a sensor that could track if the patients have ingested their medication. Since then more digital therapeutics have come to market.
The future of mental healthcare is being shaped by technological innovations that will transform how services are delivered. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will enable remote therapy sessions conducted by human therapists, providing more accessible care. Additionally, the growing use of chatbots will offer 24/7 support, helping address challenges like resource limitations and the stigma surrounding mental health issues. These technologies are set to enhance the accessibility and timeliness of interventions, making mental healthcare more efficient and effective, particularly as it becomes a higher priority for service providers.
The use of mental health apps, including digital therapeutics, is rapidly increasing, though they can be costly and often are not covered by insurance. Certain apps can cost between $300 and $1,500 per year. These apps show promise, especially in underserved communities, but their full potential is realized when used alongside human support, such as coaching or symptom check-ins.
Stephen Schueller, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine states, “Evidence suggests that people benefit most from digital therapeutics when the apps are used in conjunction with some form of human support.” New interactive tools are being developed to provide personalized, one-session interventions, aiming to make a positive impact on users in need of immediate support.
The role of insurance companies in supporting these innovations has been mixed. While some insurers have begun covering teletherapy and digital tools, others lag behind, citing uncertainties about long-term outcomes and regulatory hurdles. The disparity in coverage leaves many patients paying out of pocket for essential services. Recent federal initiatives, such as the expansion of telehealth reimbursement policies, signal progress, yet systemic changes are needed to ensure equitable access to both traditional and digital mental health care.
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2025 Physician Fee Schedule introduced three new Medicare billing codes for digital mental health treatment (DMHT) devices, marking the first time CMS has proposed reimbursable codes for digital therapeutic products under the physician services benefit. The introduction of these codes open a significant opportunity for access to DMHT devices. CMS is still working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to finalize these codes.
As mental health needs continue to rise, the intersection of policy, technology, and healthcare delivery will play a pivotal role in shaping Better Mental Healthcare Tomorrow.
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