Congressional Report Reveals Americans? Mental Health is Worsening

The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee recently released a report on how the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with economic instability, is taking a toll on Americans’ mental health. More than 90 million Americans are reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression due to fears surrounding the coronavirus.

According to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of respondents are struggling with mental health issues stemming from the pandemic; and researchers from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine suggest that the solution is increased funding for mental health as well as greater access to behavioral health services.

ACA has been advocating for greater access to behavioral health services, particularly in rural communities, through S.286/H.R.945, the Medicare Access Improvement Act of 2019. If you would like to become involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts and create a pathway for greater access to mental health services for those in need, please contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy department at advocacy@counseling.org.