What Exactly Is The Access Problem?

This past week has made me think about the "access problem" for behavioral health services. Certainly, there are a number of reports documenting the increasing incidence of behavioral health problems. COVID had a negative effect on mental well-being—and on alcohol and drug use—for the majority of Americans (see COVID-19 Had A Negative Impact On Mental Well-Being For 70% Of Americans). Major depressive disorder rose by 28% and the prevalence of anxiety disorders rose by 26% from January 2020 to January 2021 (see Major Depressive & Anxiety Disorders Prevalence Rose Worldwide By More Than 25%).

At . . .