A New Year, A New You:
Leading Mental and Behavioral Health Reform in 2025
By Kimberlee Schardin, MBA, CAE, and Elizabeth Schumacher, JD
Transforming Mental Health Care: A Call to Action
The image we used to illustrate this month’s focus- improving mental and behavioral health reform for patients and health care providers is very important. So often we think that mental health issues are not “medical”, but this image shows how poor communication in certain areas of the brain impacts mental health. It is time that we all recognize mental health for what it is- a real medical issue that deserves to be treated equal to all medical issues.
Imagine being Maria, a 52-year-old mother of three, battling depression and anxiety for years. After mustering the courage to seek professional help, her health insurance denies coverage for therapy, labeling it as “not medically necessary.” Maria’s story is a microcosm of the struggles faced by millions of Americans, trapped in a system that often prioritizes bureaucracy over care.
This crisis in mental health is not new, but it has reached a critical juncture. From claim denials to provider shortages and the stigma surrounding mental health care, 2025 presents a unique opportunity for reform. Medical societies are uniquely positioned to lead the charge, transforming a fractured system into one rooted in equity, access, and holistic care—for both patients like Maria and the providers who serve them.
A Dual Focus: Patients and Providers
Mental health is not separate from physical health; it is deeply intertwined. Integrating mental health screenings into routine care can address hidden issues early, improving outcomes. But it’s not just patients who need attention—healthcare providers are grappling with burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental health struggles of their own.
Tool to Try:
Encourage providers to adopt mindfulness practices with apps like Headspace or Calm. Institutions can foster resilience by offering group meditation sessions or peer support networks.
The Data Paints a Stark Picture
- Treatment Gap: Nearly 57% of adults with mental illnesses in the U.S. went untreated in 2024 (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
- Provider Shortages: Sixty percent of rural counties lack a practicing psychiatrist, and the nation faces a 6.4 million shortfall in mental health workers.
- Insurance Barriers: One in four patients reported denial of mental health services under private insurance plans.
- Fragmented Care: Conditions like depression and diabetes require integrated care, yet many patients face siloed systems, delaying effective treatment and worsening outcomes.
Building Solutions: A Vision for Change
- Advocacy for Integrated Care
Medical societies can champion systemic changes by advocating for mandatory mental health screenings during primary care visits. Collaborative care models, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care teams, have consistently demonstrated improved outcomes and cost efficiency. - Expand Telehealth Services
Telehealth has revolutionized access to care, particularly for rural and underserved populations. Canada’s initiatives highlight how digital platforms can provide first-time access to mental health services in isolated areas. These models offer valuable lessons for the U.S. - Global Inspiration
Australia’s Headspace: A youth mental health program offering early intervention through multidisciplinary hubs.
New Zealand’s “Like Minds, Like Mine” Campaign: A public awareness effort that reduces stigma and normalizes seeking help.
Medical societies can adapt these strategies to U.S. contexts, encouraging members to integrate community programs and recommend accessible digital tools.
Tool to Try:
Introduce patients to affordable virtual counseling apps like BetterHelp or AI-driven tools like Woebot for immediate support.
Empowering Providers to Lead
Healthcare providers are both caregivers and individuals with their own mental health needs. Normalizing help-seeking behavior within the profession is vital. Collaboration with academic institutions and networks can fast-track training programs and create robust support systems for providers and their patients.
Medical Societies: Catalysts for Transformation
Medical societies hold the power to enact lasting change through:
- Advocacy: Partner with policymakers to make mental health a national priority.
- Education: Equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge to deliver integrated, equitable care.
- Engagement: Collaborate with patients and communities to identify and address real-world barriers.
Affinity Strategies: Driving Change Together
As a strategic partner, Affinity Strategies empowers medical societies to lead meaningful reform. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and maintaining a steadfast patient-centered focus, Affinity ensures impactful initiatives that prioritize equitable access to care.
- Collaboration: Unite efforts between societies, insurers, and policymakers.
- Innovation: Develop telehealth platforms, community outreach programs, and professional education resources.
- Patient-Centered Focus: Uphold the guiding principle that “patients are our purpose.”
Reimagining the Future
Imagine a world where Maria’s insurance claim isn’t denied, where mental health care is affordable, stigma-free, and seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system. With bold leadership and innovative strategies, 2025 can mark a transformative year for mental and behavioral health care—a “New Year, New You” for individuals and the system as a whole. Together, we can ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of better mental health.
