In recent years, the mental health profession has undergone significant changes, and 2023 has highlighted growing concerns about the well-being of psychologists themselves. A new survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) sheds light on the increasing strain faced by mental health professionals. It reveals that a rising number of psychologists are planning to decrease their practice hours, and this shift is likely due to high-stress levels, burnout, and the growing complexity of their patients’ needs. Mental health professional burnout is becoming a more significant issue, with many psychologists feeling the effects of heightened workloads and complex patient cases.
The 2023 APA survey, which was conducted between August and September and included responses from 561 licensed psychologists, provides a clear snapshot of these challenges. Over half of the psychologists surveyed reported an increase in the severity of their patients’ symptoms over the last year. This trend reflects a larger mental health crisis that has been steadily worsening in recent years, pushing psychologists to take on more complex cases that demand longer and more intensive treatment. With the rising acuity of patients’ needs, psychologists find themselves stretched thin, leading to heightened levels of mental health professional burnout.
A Growing Workload and Its Impact on Patient Access
The increasing severity of symptoms isn’t the only factor contributing to psychologists’ heightened workloads. The survey revealed that more than two in five psychologists reported an increase in the length of time their patients are staying in treatment. This extended treatment duration further strains psychologists, as it limits their ability to take on new patients. For psychologists already seeing a full roster of patients, this means fewer openings to accommodate those who need care.
This growing demand for services also has a direct impact on patient access. More than half of the psychologists surveyed reported that they had no availability for new patients, signaling a widespread issue in the accessibility of mental health services. For those who do maintain a waitlist, the problem becomes even more pressing, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting that patients may have to wait up to three months before they can be seen. This delay can be a significant barrier to those who need immediate mental health support and further underscores the pressures on psychologists, contributing to mental health professional burnout.
The Hybrid Model: A Growing Trend in Psychological Care
As the landscape of mental healthcare shifts, so too does the way in which psychologists deliver care. Nearly 70% of psychologists now use a hybrid approach, offering a combination of in-person and remote sessions. This marks a steady year-over-year increase in the use of hybrid care modalities, a trend that has gained momentum in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While hybrid care offers flexibility for both patients and providers, it also adds complexity to the work of psychologists. They must manage the technical aspects of remote care while still providing the same high level of service for in-person sessions.
Interestingly, the number of psychologists who maintain fully remote practices has significantly decreased since the height of the pandemic. In 2020, 80% of psychologists reported that they operated entirely remotely, but by 2023, this number had dwindled to just 21%. This shift suggests that while remote care is still popular, many psychologists are finding it challenging to maintain fully virtual practices as their patients’ needs become more complex and require deeper engagement. On the other hand, only 13% of psychologists now see all of their patients in person, indicating that a fully in-person model is becoming increasingly rare.
The Growing Impact of Mental Health Professional Burnout
One of the most concerning findings of the 2023 survey is the high level of burnout reported by psychologists. More than a third of those surveyed admitted to experiencing burnout, despite efforts to maintain work-life balance and engage in self-care practices. These results suggest that mental health professional burnout is becoming a significant issue, and many psychologists are struggling to manage the emotional toll of their work. The APA has noted that psychologists are dealing with increasingly complex and high-acuity patients, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion, stress, and emotional fatigue.
In an effort to manage these pressures, psychologists are employing a variety of strategies to protect their mental health. These strategies include practicing self-care, setting boundaries to preserve a healthy work-life balance, and seeking support from peers. Despite these efforts, burnout remains a persistent problem, with many psychologists feeling the weight of their demanding workloads and the emotional burden of treating patients with severe mental health issues. As a result, psychologists are increasingly considering reducing their practice hours as a way to mitigate mental health professional burnout.
The Trend Toward Reduced Hours
The growing rates of burnout have led more psychologists to consider reducing their practice hours. According to the APA survey, over 20% of psychologists are planning to scale back their hours, a significant increase from 16% in 2021. This change reflects the growing strain on mental health professionals, who are grappling with the demands of their profession while also facing the personal toll of burnout. As psychologists reduce their hours, it raises concerns about how this may impact the availability of mental health services and further exacerbate the access-to-care issues already seen in many parts of the country.
Reducing practice hours may be an effective strategy for psychologists to protect their mental and emotional well-being, but it also comes with challenges. For patients, this shift could mean longer wait times, fewer appointment options, and greater difficulty accessing care when they need it most. It is vital that the mental health field finds ways to address these concerns, ensuring that psychologists have the support and resources necessary to maintain their practices while continuing to provide high-quality care.
A Shift Toward Greater Diversity in Patient Populations
Despite the many challenges faced by psychologists, there are some positive trends in the profession as well. The 2023 survey showed that psychologists are increasingly serving a more diverse range of patients. Nearly a third of psychologists reported seeing more individuals from working poor populations and the LGBTQ+ community. This shift reflects a broader commitment to ensuring mental health services are accessible to all people, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
However, while racial and ethnic diversity among patients has improved overall, the survey also pointed to some areas where access remains problematic. For example, the treatment rates for American Indian, Alaska Native, Indigenous populations, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders have not changed. This points to ongoing disparities in access to care for certain minority groups, suggesting that more work needs to be done to ensure that mental health services are available to all populations in need.
Expanding Roles: Addressing Physical Health Alongside Mental Health
Another notable shift in the mental health profession is the increasing role of psychologists in addressing physical health issues. Many psychologists are now treating patients with physical conditions in addition to their mental health concerns. For example, half of the psychologists surveyed reported treating patients with chronic pain, while 42% worked with patients dealing with obesity. Additionally, more than a quarter of psychologists reported working with patients experiencing symptoms related to cancer. This marks a significant evolution in the role of psychologists, as they are now providing care that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of a patient’s well-being.
Working alongside other healthcare professionals, psychologists are playing an integral role in providing holistic care that addresses the full range of a patient’s needs. This multidisciplinary approach can lead to more effective treatment and better overall outcomes for patients, as mental and physical health are often intertwined. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, it is likely that psychologists will play an increasingly important role in managing the complex needs of their patients.
Conclusion: Addressing the Challenges Ahead
The findings of the 2023 APA survey paint a picture of a profession under immense pressure. Psychologists are dealing with higher acuity patients, longer treatment durations, and a growing workload that is leading to burnout and reduced practice hours. These challenges are compounded by the difficulty of balancing hybrid care models and the need to manage the emotional toll of their work.
As the demand for mental health services continues to grow, it is crucial that mental health professionals receive the support they need to maintain their well-being. Ensuring that psychologists have the resources to manage their workloads and prevent burnout is essential to maintaining a healthy workforce that can continue to provide high-quality care to those in need.
Moreover, addressing access to care issues and ensuring that diverse populations have access to mental health services is a critical priority. With the right support systems in place, the mental health field can navigate these challenges and continue to serve the growing number of individuals seeking help. By recognizing the strain on psychologists and implementing systemic changes, we can create a more sustainable and effective mental health care system for all.
