The 2025 Mental Health Outlook
Written by: Josh Cantwell, CEO
I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years and have seen, and been a part of, many advances in the way we approach mental health care and wellness here in Oklahoma. Looking ahead, I am truly excited for the future of mental health care across the country and in our state. We are witnessing a period of remarkable transformation and growth in how we understand and treat mental health.
I remember when people would only seek mental health services in the most severe cases, and preventative health was never even a thought. Having a conversation about mental health to anyone was a challenge. You were met with denial, hostility, and most often a perception that having mental health issues was a weakness you should not talk about. The stigmas around mental health and, specifically, mental health treatment created huge barriers in helping those in need. There was also a provider shortage, as stigmas and an overall lack of understanding discouraged qualified candidates from entering the mental health field.
In recent years there has been a shift in both awareness and understanding. Most notably, viewing mental health as essential for overall health and wellbeing. Understanding that mental health struggles are not a weakness or moral failing that should be quietly accepted and never talked about, but part of who we are emotionally, psychologically and socially. Being able to talk about mental health more openly and having access to quality treatment and providers has allowed us to create an environment that is more supportive and understanding of those struggling with mental health challenges. Awareness has allowed behavioral health professionals and therapists to be seen as experts in their field.
Employers are starting to include access to behavioral health specialists as part of their employee benefits, some schools have on-site behavioral health specialists and therapists for early childhood intervention and family support, and nonprofit organizations are incorporating mental health professionals in their services and programs.
Continued advancements in technology, including AI, have made the mental health field more efficient and surprisingly more humanizing. With the use of AI technology, behavioral health professionals and therapists are now able to develop more personalized care plans, spend more time with clients and predict the outcomes of treatment plans more accurately. Improvements to electronic health records have also greatly improved the client and provider experiences. Being able to make data-driven decisions enhances the quality of care.
Challenges and Opportunities
· The mental health industry is still experiencing a significant workforce shortage, here in Oklahoma and across the nation. There are a wide variety of opportunities for trained mental health professionals, at all levels, including: Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Behavioral Health Coaches, Care Coordinators, Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists with lived experience and more.
· Advancement in legislation that supports access to quality care and funding for mental health programs and initiatives. Including a focus on youth mental health, substance use disorders and special attention to vulnerable populations.
· Advancements in mental health treatments are offering new hope as we discover more about the inner workings of our minds. Established, medically supervised treatments, such as Ketamine are being utilized in new ways with highly effective outcomes, holistic services that focus on the family unit rather than the individual, and preventive care treatments, especially in children and adolescents, are being proven to have more positive and long-lasting outcomes.
I believe we need to be diligent in furthering this momentum of understanding and supporting mental healthcare without stigma and encouraging open and informed conversations about mental health. It is critical to view mental health as a component of one’s overall health and well-being, as well as catalyst for overall community health. Investing in accessible, high-quality care should be our goal now and our promise to our children for the future.