Psychiatrist Shortage Escalates As U.S. Mental Health Needs Grow

Against a backdrop of mental health crises from mass shootings to an increase in suicides, there's an unprecedented demand for psychiatrists, new data and physician recruiters report.

For years now, the U.S. health system has lacked enough primary care providers like family physicians and internists as more Americans with a pent up demand for treatment gained the ability to pay under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, insurers emphasize value-based care that encourages patients to get better treatment upfront in a doctor's office.