- Mental health is top of mind for many Americans - Although our physical health is being threatened by the virus, there is tremendous strain on our mental health. If you’re feeling mentally vulnerable, you’re not alone. 50% of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health via Kaiser.
- Coronavirus has helped cut through red tape in terms of accessibility
- Last week regulations on telehealth were lifted to expand its usage. (Medicare will now enable telehealth access and reimbursements.)
- An upcoming law to enable physicians and therapists to practice across state lines is in the process of going into effect.
Why does this matter?
- upsurge in mental health demand + increasing accessibility = positive impact to mental health start-ups that have traditionally been blocked from providing services across state lines.
- Access is unequally distributed across America. The ratio of psychiatrists per 100K people in the US is highest in urban areas as opposed to poorer ones.
- If 1 in 5 people have a mental health disorder, it’s certain that there are millions of undiagnosed mental health disorders that are disproportionately impacting poor or rural communities.
- With a potential law to enable therapists/psychiatrists to practice across state lines and the rise of telehealth, this map could look a lot more balanced.
- This is really exciting and what companies like Mindstrong are trying to tackle. This video really pulled on my heartstrings.. 😢
Daniel Graf @danielgraf
It has been almost 4 weeks since I joined Mindstrong. When friends are asking me how the new job is, I answer with “I feel like I have arrived”. Instead of writing lots of words,I want you to hear the words of a Mindstrong patient: youtu.be/HBep072yvUo
