Sharp Increase in Mental Health Spending During Pandemic, Study Reveals

Spending on mental health services in the U.S. increased by over 50% among privately-insured adults since the start of the pandemic, according to a study. Usage of mental health care services also rose by nearly 39% during the same period. In-person mental health care visits have recovered to around 80% of pre-pandemic levels, while telehealth visits remain significantly higher. The study highlights the need for integrating behavioral and physical health to address access, affordability, and stigma issues while providing comprehensive care. It remains uncertain whether insurers will continue to cover mental health telehealth visits in a post-pandemic world.