Behavioral health stakeholders are increasingly looking to make preventative mental health care as normal and regular as the traditional annual physical. Historically, mental health treatment has been reactive, focused on intervention after a crisis arises. But with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, industry leaders are exploring ways to identify challenges earlier and provide support before conditions escalate.
This fall, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released draft recommendations to screen for anxiety in adults, pregnant and postpartum individuals, and young people ages 8 to 18. These recommendations signal a growing recognition that preventative mental health care should be a standard part of routine healthcare, much like annual physicals or cholesterol screenings.
The Rising Need for Preventative Mental Health Care
The urgency for preventative mental health care has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, rates of anxiety rose by 25%, while major depressive disorders increased by 27.6% in 2020, according to a Lancet study. Social isolation, economic uncertainty, and the disruption of daily routines contributed to these dramatic increases, highlighting the need for proactive mental health strategies.
Preventative measures offer more than early diagnosis—they can also save money. Research by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine shows that every $1 invested in preventative mental health care and addiction prevention services yields $2 to $10 in savings. These savings come from reduced hospitalizations, emergency care visits, and long-term treatment costs, making mental health care both a compassionate and financially smart approach.
Screening for Anxiety Could Bridge the Care Gap
Treatment for anxiety disorders is often relatively straightforward, yet many individuals never seek care on their own. Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and director of the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity at NYU Langone Health, explained that screening provides a crucial opportunity to identify patients who may not realize they are experiencing anxiety.
“If you screen people, then they can have significant follow-up because [clinicians] can connect them to care,” Ogedegbe said. Without routine screenings, many individuals quietly struggle with anxiety, lacking obvious symptoms yet still experiencing significant distress. Screening can also provide an entry point to a spectrum of care options, from therapy and counseling to digital self-help tools, making preventative mental health care more accessible and timely.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Early detection in behavioral health mirrors the benefits seen in physical health. Catching conditions like diabetes or hypertension early can reduce the intensity and cost of treatment later. The same principle applies to mental health. Identifying anxiety, depression, or other conditions early through mental health care can prevent them from escalating into crises that require intensive interventions or hospitalizations.
Early intervention also supports better long-term outcomes for patients. When individuals receive timely care, they are more likely to engage in treatment, develop coping strategies, and maintain functional daily lives. Preventative care can also reduce the stigma around mental health, normalizing the idea that mental health checkups are a routine part of healthcare, rather than a sign of weakness or crisis.
Insurance Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these clear benefits, many insurers are not yet structured to offer comprehensive preventative mental health care services. Michelle Guerra, a senior consultant in population health and health equity at RTI Health Advance, noted that preventative benefits under medical plans are often not designed to cover behavioral health care.
Today, most preventative services are accessed through primary care settings. This creates an opportunity for primary care physicians to offer universal behavioral health screenings alongside routine physicals. Co-locating primary care and behavioral health services can make access easier for patients, allowing them to receive support in one place without navigating multiple systems.
Behavioral health providers on-site could offer short-term counseling, digital modules, or referrals to more intensive care as needed. While the cost, infrastructure, and resource requirements of integrated care can be a barrier, preventative mental health care efforts could ultimately save money by addressing conditions early.
Digital Health as a Gateway to Preventative Services
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital health tools, particularly for lower-acuity behavioral health needs. Some experts believe these tools could serve as a front door to preventative mental health care. Vittoria Lecomte, CEO and founder of Sesh, a digital platform providing virtual group mental health support, emphasized that prevention requires care that is approachable, flexible, and accessible compared to traditional options.
Digital platforms can reach patients who may be hesitant to seek in-person care due to stigma, scheduling challenges, or geographic limitations. Some employers now offer digital mental health packages to support employees proactively. According to a Credit Suisse survey, 29% of health benefits managers identified depression as a major concern for their workforce. By providing accessible, low-barrier options, employers can help employees engage in preventative mental health care before conditions worsen.
Moving Toward a Preventative Mental Health Future
As mental health challenges continue to rise, the need for proactive measures becomes more critical. Routine screenings, early interventions, integrated care models, and digital health solutions represent a multifaceted approach to preventative mental health services. By normalizing preventative mental health measures, stakeholders can help ensure that individuals receive support before conditions escalate into crises.
Investing in prevention is not just about cost savings—it’s about improving lives. Early access to care allows patients to develop coping strategies, engage with treatment options that meet their needs, and maintain functional and fulfilling lives. With insurers, employers, and healthcare providers embracing preventative mental health care, mental health can become as routine, accessible, and essential as the annual physical.
By making preventative mental health services a standard part of care, the healthcare system can move toward a future where early intervention is the norm, anxiety and depression are identified before they escalate, and patients receive timely, effective, and cost-efficient support.
