CDC

Confidentiality, cost, and time off: Key barriers to seeking mental health care for health workers

January 21, 2025

A CDC report highlights significant gaps in mental health care-seeking among U.S. health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. From September 2022 to May 2023, a survey of 2,603 primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants revealed that 26% experienced severe mental distress, yet only 20% sought mental health care. Key barriers to seeking care included difficulty getting time off work, concerns about confidentiality, and the cost of care. Notably, support from supervisors was found to mitigate the impact of work stressors on mental health symptoms.

The study also found that providers who identified as female and those with fewer years in practice were more likely to seek mental health care. Despite the high levels of reported distress, nearly half of those surveyed felt they didn't need mental health care.

The findings suggest that organizational changes, such as improved human resources practices, supervisor training, and public health messaging to reduce stigma and address licensing concerns, could help bridge the gap in mental health care-seeking among health care providers

Source:

Papa A, et al. (2025, January 16). CDC. Gaps in Mental Health Care–Seeking Among Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, September 2022–May 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7402a1.htm