The growing impact of behavioral health platforms in meeting mental health care needs

Mental health disorders affect nearly 1 billion people worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified the crisis, with a 25% increase in cases of depression and anxiety during the first year alone. Among adolescents, this burden is especially concerning, as approximately 14% of 10- to 19-year-olds globally experience a mental health condition. Tragically, failing to treat adolescent mental health issues results in those becoming burdens to a fulfilling and healthy adult life. The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, negatively impacting both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. This highlights the critical gaps in traditional mental health care systems.

Behavioral health platforms are addressing these gaps by providing scalable, accessible and affordable solutions. In 2022, approximately 40% of mental health services were delivered through digital platforms — indicating a shift in how care is both accessed and delivered. As the need for mental health services continues to grow, these platforms are becoming essential tools in improving access to and quality of care.

Expanding access to mental health services

Accessibility remains one of the most pressing issues in mental health care, especially in regions with provider shortages or where patients face long wait times. In the United States, there are only 30 mental health professionals per 100,000 people, and access is even more limited in rural and underserved areas. A staggering 90% of American adults now recognize that the country is facing a full-blown mental health crisis, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the widespread acknowledgment that existing systems are struggling to keep up.

Behavioral health platforms are playing a crucial role in addressing this crisis by enabling patients to connect virtually with mental health professionals from any location, dramatically reducing barriers to access and ensuring care is more readily available to those who need it. This is particularly beneficial for individuals when in-person appointments may not be feasible. Virtual care also offers the flexibility of on-demand sessions, allowing patients to seek help when needed rather than waiting weeks or months for an appointment.

Lowering the financial burden of care

Cost is another major barrier to receiving mental health treatment. Depending on the state, in-person therapy sessions in the U.S. typically cost between $100 and $200 per hour, which is a prohibitive expense for many, especially those without sufficient insurance coverage. Online therapy, on the other hand, has proven to be an affordable option, often reducing costs by up to 50%.

Digital platforms also offer flexible payment models, including subscription-based services and sliding-scale fees. This pricing flexibility allows more individuals to access mental health care without the financial burden associated with traditional therapy. By lowering these barriers, behavioral health platforms make it easier for patients to engage in consistent care.

Offering holistic and integrated care

Beyond virtual therapy, behavioral health platforms are creating more comprehensive mental health ecosystems. Some platforms now include access to educational resources, self-management tools and peer support networks. This integrated approach supports therapeutic intervention, preventive care and long-term management.

In fact, a Deloitte survey found that 60% of digital platform users reported these tools as beneficial for managing their mental health outside of traditional therapy. These platforms enable proactive mental health care by empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to understand and manage their conditions more effectively. Patients can access guided meditation, self-assessment tools and crisis management resources all within a single platform, making it easier for them to find support at every stage of their mental health journey.

Educating mental health consumers

Navigating and understanding one’s mental health needs can be a complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with available resources or unsure of what’s important to them in a care or support provider. Online care directories are commonly used tools, yet 80% of care seekers who’ve used them indicate the experience was frustrating or difficult.

More comprehensive digital behavioral health platforms simplify this journey by offering educational guidance to help users find the most appropriate care along a spectrum of options that includes, but is not limited to, therapy. These platforms often provide personalized needs-based assessments, resource libraries and symptom trackers, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their mental and behavioral health needs. By offering such educational support, platforms help individuals better understand their conditions, which leads to more tailored and effective care.

Managing mental health crises in real time

Mental health crises, including suicide, are becoming alarmingly frequent, with suicide now the third leading cause of death globally, particularly affecting low- and middle-income families. The demand for immediate mental health intervention is clear, and digital platforms are stepping in to meet this need. Offering 24/7 access to care, these platforms allow users to connect with licensed professionals in real time to provide crucial support during moments of crisis.

A timely response is essential in mental health crises. Many users seeking help through digital platforms have been able to connect with support within just 24 hours — much faster than the weeks-long delays common with traditional care. As these platforms advance, they increasingly integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools to detect early signs of distress, which in turn enables proactive intervention before situations worsen.

The future of mental health platforms in health care

Behavioral health platforms will continue to be pivotal in addressing the mental health crisis. As they evolve, we can expect to see the integration of more advanced technologies, such as AI-driven analytics and personalized care models, which will further enhance the ability to detect early signs of mental health issues and provide tailored interventions.

Additionally, the increased use of digital platforms will continue to reduce the stigma around mental health care. As more people become comfortable accessing care through online platforms, we can anticipate a broader societal shift toward normalizing mental health treatment and seeking help proactively.

For physicians and health care providers, integrating these platforms into their practice offers a scalable way to meet the rising demand for mental health services, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care without delays.

Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC, is an entrepreneur and licensed mental health professional with more than 25 years of clinical experience. She co-founded Psych Hub with Patrick J. Kennedy, growing it into a major platform for mental health education, which now includes over 1,500 resources and has helped guide over 30 million consumers with evidence-based mental health information. Her mission is to improve the quality of life of everyone who engages in the mental health ecosystem.