Faegre Drinker Consulting principal Mike Adelberg coauthored an article for the American Hospital Association’s latest “TrendWatch” report that details how the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant impacts to behavioral health access and services in the U.S.
The article explains that the pandemic exacerbated the need for behavioral health services while individuals with existing disorders faced additional barriers to care. However, the pandemic also inspired innovation, including escalated tele-behavioral health services and other digital solutions.
The article addresses behavioral health care’s impact on in-person utilization during the pandemic, the increased need for behavioral health services, the impact of the pandemic on specific populations and the health care workforce, and the growing use of new and previously underutilized tools for providing care.
Lastly, the article outlines legislative, executive and other regulatory actions that have addressed behavioral health-related issues, as well as policy recommendations.
