Mental Health Counseling Services Research Articles

Insurance acceptance and cash pay rates for psychotherapy in the US

Abstract Cost and insurance coverage remain important barriers to mental health care, including psychotherapy and mental health counseling services (“psychotherapy”). While data are scant, psychotherapy services are often delivered in private practice settings, where providers frequently do not take insurance and instead rely on direct pay. In this cross-sectional analysis, we use a large national online directory of 175 083 psychotherapy providers to describe characteristics of private practice psychotherapy providers who accept and do not accept insurance, and assess self-reported private pay rates. Overall, about one-third of private practice psychotherapists did not accept insurance, with insurance acceptance varying substantially across states. We also found significant session rate differentials, with Medicaid rates being on average 40% lower than reported cash pay rates, which averaged $143.26 a session. Taken together, low insurance acceptance across a broad swath of mental health provider types means that access to care is disproportionately reliant on patients’ ability to afford out-of-pocket payments—even when covered by insurance. While our findings are descriptive and may not be representative of all US psychotherapists, they add to scant existing knowledge about the cash pay market for an important mental health service that has experienced increased use and demand over time.

Depression symptoms among Afghan TB patients: A multi-center study

BackgroundDepression in TB patients carries a heightened risk of treatment failure and a lower quality of life. However, no study to date has documented depression prevalence among TB patients in Afghanistan. ObjectivesWe aimed to assess depression prevalence in TB patients in Southern Afghanistan. MethodsBetween February 2023 and May 2024, a sample of 1,003 TB patients aged 18 years and above were randomly sampled in Southern Afghanistan. The questionnaire gathered patients’ sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics, social support level, and the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire). We fitted a binary logistic regression model to identify correlates of depression symptoms among TB patients. ResultsOut of 1,003 patients, 69.6% (95% CI: 66.6%-72.4) had depression symptoms. We found that patients with no formal education [AOR = 3.18, 95%CI (2.35–4.30)], those with severe disease [1.84 (1.30–2.59)], patients with medical comorbidity [1.88 (1.29–2.74)], and those with low social support [1.69 (1.22–2.33)] were more likely to have depression symptoms. ConclusionTB patients in Afghanistan have high levels of depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study advocates for dedicated mental health screening and counseling services for TB patients in Afghanistan.

Compliance to Medication Management and Mental Health Status of Elderly Hypertensive Patients: Basis of Educational Health Program

Objective: The study aimed to assess medication management compliance and mental health in elderly patients with hypertension. Method: The study evaluated medication compliance and mental health status of elderly hypertensive patients in China using simple random sampling. Data was collected using the Morisky Medication Compliance Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a checklist. Ethical practices were strictly observed. Results: A study of 100 elderly hypertensive patients found poor drug management compliance, with female patients showing worse compliance. Female patients were more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. The study also found no significant association between gender, age, education level, marital status, living standards, and medication compliance. Barriers to medication management included food and daily necessities, lack of awareness about the importance of drug treatment, and basic family needs. The lowest-ranked barriers were lack of support from government health clinics, low income, and lack of family support. Conclusion: Based on the results, the study proposes an educational plan for elderly hypertensive patients and their families, to be evaluated and implemented by the hospital and township community service center. The plan aims to improve medication management and lifestyle modification compliance, encourage active participation, and provide access to medical and mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services.

UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services

UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services

The Hidden Epidemic: Burnout and Mental Health Amongst Medical Students

In the noble pursuit of healing others,medical students often find themselvesgrappling with their own silent battles:burnout and mental health issues. Despitethe aura of prestige surrounding themedical profession, the harsh reality is thatthose training to become doctors facetremendous pressure, leading to alarmingrates of burnout and mental healthchallenges. In the UK, this issue has beengaining significant attention, shedding lighton the need for systemic changes to supportthe well-being of future physicians.The Burnout Epidemic:According to a recent study published in theBritish Medical Journal (BMJ), burnoutamongst medical students in the UK isalarmingly high; with nearly two-thirdsexperiencing symptoms at some pointduring their training. Burnout,characterised by emotional exhaustion,depersonalisation, and reduced personalaccomplishment, not only affects themental health of medical students but alsocompromises patient care and contributesto high dropout rates within the professionThe Perils of Perfectionism:One contributing factor to the prevalence ofburnout among medical students is theculture of perfectionism ingrained inmedical education. From the rigorousacademic demands to the relentless pursuitof clinical excellence, students often findthemselves striving for unattainablestandards, leading to chronic stress andpsychological strain.Research conducted by the Royal Collegeof Psychiatrists indicates that the fear offailure and the pressure to excelacademically contribute significantly to themental health challenges faced by medicalstudents. The stigma surrounding mentalhealth within the medical communityfurther exacerbates the problem, leadingmany students to suffer in silence ratherthan seeking the support they desperatelyneed.The Impact on Mental Health:Beyond burnout, mental health issues suchas anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideationare prevalent among medical students. Asurvey conducted by the Medical SchoolsCouncil revealed that nearly one in fivemedical students in the UK experiencedepression or anxiety severe enough torequire treatment.The demanding nature of medical training,coupled with long hours, sleep deprivation,and exposure to distressing clinicalscenarios, takes a toll on the psychologicalwell-being of students. Without adequatesupport systems in place, many studentsfind themselves overwhelmed, strugglingto cope with the demands of their studieswhile battling their inner demons Addressing the Crisis:Recognising the urgent need to addressburnout and mental health issues amongmedical students, universities andhealthcare institutions are beginning toimplement proactive measures to supportstudent well-being. From mental healthcounseling services to peer supportnetworks and wellness initiatives, effortsare underway to create a more nurturingand supportive learning environment forfuture physicians.Additionally, initiatives such as the#MentalMovement within the medicalcommunity are working to reduce thestigma surrounding mental health andencourage open conversations about thechallenges faced by medical students andprofessionals alike. By fostering a culture ofcompassion and understanding, theseinitiatives aim to break down barriers toseeking help and promote a healthierapproach to medical education and practice.The prevalence of burnout and mentalhealth issues among medical students in theUK is a pressing concern that demandsimmediate attention. As future guardians ofpublic health, it is imperative that weprioritize the well-being of those entrustedwith the responsibility of caring for others.By addressing the root causes of burnout,challenging the culture of perfectionism,and fostering a supportive learningenvironment, we can create a brighter andhealthier future for medical students andthe patients they serve.Now we want YOUR opinions on this.burnout and mental health are subjectswhich are hard to talk about as medicalstudent so we would love to hear about yourthoughts and opinions. If you have 5 minutesto fill in the google form below it would begreatly appreciated.

An Exploration of Satisfaction with Mental Health Counseling Services in Western Australia Among Sexuality and Gender Diverse Youth

ABSTRACT Clinically significant psychological distress affects approximately 29.3% of Australian adolescents and 80.6% of sexuality and/or gender diverse youth (SGD-Y). Often, SGD-Y experience inadequate access and lower satisfaction with mental health services, stemming from age- and sexuality and/or gender diversity-status. Accordingly, exploration of factors affecting SGD-Y’s access to, and satisfaction with, mental health services is critical. Using a social constructionist lens, we explored factors supporting SGD-Y’s satisfaction with mental health services, and how these needs are or could be met. Seven LGBTQA+ youth aged 15 to 21 who received counseling in Western Australia in the last year, recruited via a university student participant pool and community organizations, participated in semi-structured interviews via video-conference, phone call, or SMS. Reflexive thematic analysis was inductively applied to participants’ verbatim accounts. Satisfaction was tied to participants’ sense of control over their healthcare-system experiences, shaped by four themes: person-centered support during the service-access process, resources to guide the search for services, confidence in therapists, and healthcare-system organization. Practices and policies supporting SGD-Y’s self-determination during their service access may allow for empowering and personally meaningful therapeutic experiences. Developers of policies and initiatives may need to adopt a systems approach to foster SGD-Y’s self-determination as they access services.

Advancing Educational accessibility and experiences: A sophisticated Chatbot integration approach

The integration of chatbots into the educational sector has ushered in a new era of learning and administrative support. This review paper explores the dynamic landscape of chatbots within educational institutes, focusing on their evolution and the emergence of innovative trends. From their early days as basic information providers to their current roles as personalized learning companions, chatbots have undergone significant transformations. The study identifies key milestones in the evolution of chatbots in education, highlighting their transition from rule-based systems to intelligent learning assistants. Moreover, this review delves into the latest trends shaping the chatbot ecosystem in education. It underscores the growing emphasis on Al-powered personalization, multimodal interfaces, and integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) to streamline administrative tasks. Chatbots are no longer confined to text-based interactions; they now support voice and video, making education more accessible and inclusive. Additionally, they are contributing to mental health support and counseling services, addressing the well-being of students. The paper will argue that chatbots have the potential to revolutionize education by providing students with personalized learning experiences, supporting students with special needs, and promoting student engagement. However, it is important to address the ethical implications of using chatbots in education, such as privacy and bias. The paper will be of interest to educators, researchers, and policymakers who are interested in learning more about the potential of chatbots to transform education. Keywords— Deep Learning, Machine learning, NLP, Voice Assistant, Linux, Artificial Intelligence, Speech Recognition, LLMs.

Evaluation of activities and instrumental activities of daily living and correlated factors of traumatic brain injury patients in Vietnam

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the leading causes of death in Vietnam. Survivors of TBI suffer from functional and cognitive deficits. Understanding that Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are crucial in measuring the treatment and health-related quality of life among patients with TBI. This study aims to evaluate ADLs and IADLs among the TBI population in Vietnam and determine the correlated factors to these two indices. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 patients with TBI in Vietnam from February to September 2020. ADLs and IADLs scales were applied. Depression, quality of sleep, and social support scales were used. Multivariate Tobit regression was adopted to identify factors associated with ADLs and IADLs. Patients who received first aid had higher ADLs scores than those who had not, by a statistical difference with a p value = 0.04. The mean ADLs score was 5.4 (SD = 1.4). The mean score of IADLs was 7.3 (SD = 1.7). Female patients (Mean = 7.6, SD = 1.1) performed better in IADLs than male patients (Mean = 7.1, SD = 1.9). Both ADLs and IADLs were affected strongly by depression and Injury Severity scores (p < 0.01), whereas IADLs were significantly correlated to caregiver types and quality of sleep (p < 0.01). Family support was observed as a negatively correlated factor to IADLs. Findings from the study provided evidence for authorities to adjust the health strategies among patients with TBI. Proper prehospital care, a basic low-cost hospital care model, and mental health counseling services should be considered when developing health interventions in Vietnam.

Exploring Students' Financial Willingness for Online Mental Health Counseling Services

Mental Health Consultation Services are widely available in Indonesia, comprising both professional consultations led by psychologists and peer counseling services. While professional services have set fees, peer counseling is offered free of charge. However, all services involve operational costs, such as website and application maintenance, internet and mobile credit for peer counselors, and training expenses. This research aims to explore students' willingness to incur costs for seeking consultation. The research employed a survey with 101 respondents and interviews with selected samples. The findings indicate eight aspects influencing students' readiness to pay for online mental health consultations. These aspects include client awareness of application operational costs, willingness to donate, response, expertise, determination of donation amounts, payment timing, and payment methods.

How college students’ social media information overload affects sleep quality: The mediating effect of social fatigue and irrational procrastination

Information overload is a pervasive phenomenon in the information age and has a negative impact on personal psychological experiences and behavioural performance. The relationship between WeChat information overload and sleep quality was examined, as well as the mediating effects of social fatigue and irrational procrastination. A total of 1 899 Chinese college students (females = 45.8%; mean age = 20.26 years, SD = 1.70) were selected for study. They completed the Information Overload Scale, Social Fatigue Scale, Irrational Procrastination Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Path analysis results show a significantly positive correlation between information overload and sleep quality and the mediating role of irrational procrastination in this relationship. Social fatigue and irrational procrastination play a chain-mediating role in the link between information overload and sleep quality. This suggests that information overload has an impact on sleep quality through social fatigue and irrational procrastination. Student mental health counselling services should consider information overload and sleep deprivation indicators for support interventions.

Association of the Range of Outpatient Services Provided by Primary Care Physicians with Subsequent Health Care Costs and Utilization.

Broader primary care practice range of services (ROS), defined as the diversity of professional services delivered, is associated with lower utilization. ROS provided by individual primary care physicians (PCPs) varies considerably with unclear implications for patients. Create a PCP-ROS measure covering six categories of outpatient services, including expanded codes for mental health counseling services and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology in physician offices. Determine whether PCP-ROS is associated with total Medicare expenditures, inpatient admissions, acute hospital utilization (AHU), and emergency department (ED) visits. Examine physician and practice characteristics associated with PCP-ROS. Retrospective cohort study. 4,569,711 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries and 27,008 PCPs observed during the evaluation of the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC +) initiative. PCP-ROS, hospitalizations, AHU (includes observation stays as well as inpatient admissions), ED visits, and total Medicare expenditures. Physicians varied substantially in the range of services provided. Broader PCP-ROS was significantly, independently associated with 1 - 3% lower Medicare expenditures (p ≤ 0.01), inpatient admissions (p ≤ 0.027), AHU (p ≤ 0.025), and ED visit rates (p ≤ 0.000). PCP-ROS score was associated with improved patient outcomes, independent of physician provision of procedures (such as laceration repair or skin excisions). Physicians in practice sites affiliated with a hospital or health system had narrower PCP-ROS than independent physicians by 0.3 to 0.4 (p < 0.001). Internal medicine specialty was associated with narrower PCP-ROS than family medicine by 0.3 (p < 0.001). Patients cared for by primary care physicians who provide a broader range of services subsequently experience lower acute care utilization and expenditures than do those cared for by physicians with narrower ROS. Practice leaders and professional associations should consider how best to ensure that primary care physicians efficiently and effectively provide the office-based professional services most needed by their patients.

Mental Health Status and Countermeasures of College Students in the Mainland and Hong Kong in the Post-epidemic Era

The study focuses on investigating the mental health status and implementing educational countermeasures among college students in Tianjin Normal University (TJNU) and The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) during the post-epidemic era. This study holds significant importance as It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental well-being of college students in these regions and identify effective strategies and interventions to address their mental health needs. To accomplish the thesis objectives, an interpretive thesis methodology has been employed in this dissertation. Educational institutions in Mainland China and Hong Kong should prioritize mental health education and equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support systems to enhance their mental well-being. Establishing comprehensive mental health programs, counseling services, and accessible helplines are essential. Moreover, it is crucial to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and emotional well-being among college students.

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life among undergraduate nursing students and nurse internes

Background: COVID-19 pandemic had seriously impacted various aspects of all societies globally. The pandemic has the potential to affect all people including college students, with a large number of students experiencing psychological distress which became a growing universal concern. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life among undergraduate nursing students and nurse internes. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used, and data was collected from 264 participants using a demographic data sheet, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and the WHOQOL-BREF Scale. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro 15. Results: The sample consisted mostly of nursing students (88.64%) from various academic levels, including 30% nurse interns. Among them, 34.85% had a history of COVID-19 symptoms, and 43.18% tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, participants reported high satisfaction with their quality of life, receiving necessary information for daily life, having improved relationships and support from friends and family compared to normal times, and having good access to healthcare services. Additionally, their faith and spiritual practices showed improvement. Regarding mental health, there was a significant correlation between perceived mental health and previous COVID-19 symptoms, while social support showed a significant correlation with quality of life. Conclusions: Those nursing students and nurse interns who experienced negative psychological health impacts due to COVID-19 need to be referred for proper mental health counseling and other treatment services.

Stress among nursing students in Vietnam: Prevalence and associated factors.

To describe stress and analyze its associated factors among nursing students. Stress is a common mental health problem among medical students, especially nursing students. Therefore, understanding stress and its associated factors is necessary to improve stress in students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 nursing students using the stratified sampling method. This study used questionnaires such as demographic form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and the Stressors in Nursing Students scale. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study. Results showed that nearly half of the nursing students were stressed at various levels. Students experienced stress the most due to financial stressors, followed by education, clinical, and confidence stressors. Most of the factors in the four groups-clinical, education, confidence, and finance-increased the risk of stress in nursing students. There was a close relationship between personal problems other than health and the students' risk of stress (p<0.001). This study indicated that stress in nursing students was at a high level. Determining the prevalence and associated factors of stress in nursing students will help schools, families, and society take measures to reduce stress among students. Educational administrators need to develop policies to support nursing students, such as reviewing the academic load of nursing students, improving the design of curricula, and supporting finance for students with difficult situations. Support services should be organized and make it easier for students to access mental health counseling services.

Mental Health 911: Advocating for the Integration of Behavioral Health Services in Pediatric Hospital Emergency Departments

The coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 has led to increased concern in mental health needs among pediatric populations. As the number of pediatric mental health emergency department visits have increased, so has the need for integrated behavioral health services in hospitals. This paper describes a standard of mental health care and the benefits of providing mental health services in pediatric hospital settings. The Trauma Mental Health Counseling Program, Hurt-2-Healing (H2H™) was developed and implemented in a Level-1 pediatric hospital and has served a total of 1,523 pediatric trauma patients and their caregivers since 2021. This program established a new hospital-based standard of mental healthcare for pediatric trauma patients and their caregivers. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the efficacy of the Hurt-2-Healing program within domains such as openness to seeking counseling, psychoeducation, helpfulness of counseling, and ability to cope with the traumatic injury. The majority of (83%) patients/caregivers had no previous counseling experience prior to hospital admittance. Questionnaire responses indicated that after receiving mental health services, caregivers felt more aware of their children’s mental health needs and reported being more open to seeking future mental health counseling services for their child. Further, most respondents were in strong agreement that receiving mental health counseling services during the hospital stay was helpful. These results highlight the need for, and benefit of, providing a standard of care integrating behavioral health services in pediatric hospitals.

A Systematic Literature Review of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses’ Experience During Covid-19

Background: Numerous studies agree that intensive care unit (ICU) nurses carry a relatively heavy mental and physical load, which may be attributable to the gravity of their responsibilities in an environment where the slightest error could have catastrophic effects on the lives of the patients in their care. New insights are needed to support ICU nurses during the pandemic by recognizing their experiences and challenges in work environments. Hence, conducting a systematic literature review may provide a better understanding of the common challenges that ICU nurses experienced during COVID-19 and provide research-based evidence of effective adaptation strategies that have been implemented to lessen their burden. Objective: The impact of the 2019 COVID season on the work of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is the subject of this review. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on three electronic search engines, which are Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, from 2019 to 2022. A PRISMA flow chart was used to facilitate the process of article selection. Results: A total of 12 articles were selected for the review; the main themes were: i) The challenges in taking care of patients; ii) Adaptation strategies; iii) The impact of COVID-19 on social life; and iv) The impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of career. Conclusion: Given the challenges faced by ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for healthcare institutions and policymakers to provide adequate support systems. This includes access to mental health resources, counseling services, and peer support programs to help nurses cope with the emotional and psychological stress associated with their work during a crisis. Even though this review attempted to identify the adaptation strategies used by ICU nurses, there are currently fewer studies investigating this issue. Hence, further study should explore this.

Trauma-informed and affirmative mental health practices with LGBTQ+ clients.

People with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression are at greater risk for trauma, discrimination, and victimization than heterosexual and cisgender populations. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a framework for providing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ +) mental health services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)'s principles of TIC guide practitioners to create safety, trust, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment in helping relationships, and to ensure that services have cultural and gender relevance. This article first explores the role of trauma in contributing to behavioral health concerns presented by LGBTQ + clients. The application of TIC to mental health counseling and social services for LGBTQ + clients will then be described, with specific suggestions for translating TIC principles into affirmative practice. Through the lens of trauma, clinicians can improve clinical case conceptualization and effective treatment strategies for LGBTQ + clients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Resilience needs of retrenched workers: An intervention study of retrenched workers in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The intervention study explored the resilience needs of retrenched workers aged between 27 and 57 years. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of 19 participants. The sample size was determined by the saturation level which occurred when the participants were repeating responses. The participants had varied educational backgrounds and previous work-related experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted, using semi-structured interview guides, to collect data on the resilience needs of the sample. Data were grouped into themes, categories, subcategories and analysed using content analysis. The study found out that prematurely loss of employment through retrenchment brings a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, uncertainty, guilt and shame. It was found that social connectedness, relational structures and emotional regulation are important protective factors of building resilience in the face of employment loss. Functional cognitive skills enabled the retrenched workers to exercise positive thinking. Professional mental health counselling services helped to restore the lost hope and confidence among the retrenched workers.

Examining rural-urban disparities in perceived need for health care services among adults with disabilities.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to parse out differences between unmet need and perceived need for health care services among rural and urban adults with disabilities in the United States. While unmet need focuses primarily on environmental factors such as access to health insurance or provider availability, perceived need relates to personal choice. This distinction between unmet and perceived need is largely ignored in prior studies, but relevant to public health strategies to improve access and uptake of preventive care.MethodsUsing Wave 2 data from the National Survey on Health and Disability, we explored rural and urban differences in unmet and perceived health care needs among working-age adults with disabilities for acute and preventive services.FindingsAlthough we found no significant differences in unmet needs between rural and urban respondents, we found that perceived needs for dental care and mental health counseling varied significantly across geography. Using logistic regression analysis and controlling for observable participant characteristics, we found that respondents living in noncore counties relative to metropolitan counties were more likely to report not needing dental care (OR 1.89, p = 0.028), and not needing mental health counseling services (OR 2.15, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionThese findings suggest additional study is warranted to understand perceived need for preventive services and the levers for addressing rural disparities.

The increasingly pivotal role of supervisors and mentors

The landscape of delivering critically needed mental health counseling and other services has shifted dramatically during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Some see it as an earthquake, forever changing the topography of mental health service delivery. In fact, the acuity and frequency of mental health crises precipitated by isolation and recurrence of substance use during the COVID‐19 national health crisis resulted in 30% of U.S. adults reporting “symptoms consistent with depression or anxiety since April 2020.” (“Telehealth has played an outsized role meeting mental health needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic,” https://www.KFF.org, March 15, 2022). Telehealth was used in an attempt to bridge the gap of client needs during stay‐at‐home periods of isolation.