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In 2019, more than 1 in 5 US adults experienced mental illness, with 5.2% experiencing serious mental illness. In 2020, the percentage of uninsured adults with mental illness increased to 10.5%, and 57% of all US adults experiencing a mental illness received no treatment. Existing issues with the fractured mental health care system in the US were exacerbated due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). As of July 2020, over half of US adults reported that the PHE caused at least 1 adverse effect on their mental health. In March 2021, 47% of US adults reported negative mental health impacts due to PHE stress. These statistics highlight opportunity for increased prioritization of access to behavioral health services.
To better understand current stakeholder perspective around behavioral health services, Avalere Health conducted a survey of payers, integrated delivery networks, and behavioral health management organizations. The survey explored perspectives on mental health parity such as network adequacy and provider reimbursement, as well as utilization of telehealth, and value-based payments currently and in the future.