Hi, I'm Naomi Shaven and I'm filling in on recap for Dan today.

Today is Tuesday, June 15th.

California is opening back up,

Biden is cracking down on domestic terrorism,

and we're focused on America's mental health.

Our mental health care system had flaws before the pandemic.

First, most care is self-sought in the sense that if someone is struggling with mental

illness or despair, they would typically have to find the resources themselves.

And they'd often have to pay out of pocket for them, as our health care system doesn't

offer meaningful mental health care coverage, even under some of the most robust insurance plans.

The pandemic revealed the brokenness of a lot of American systems, and it didn't just cast light

on structural problems in our mental health care system.

It exacerbated them.

During the pandemic, demand for mental health services skyrocketed. The American Psychological Association found that six months into the pandemic, therapists

reported seeing an increase in patients with anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.

Therapists have told reporters again and again over the months

that they are seeing so much demand, they can't keep up.

That means there are a lot of people seeking care who cannot get it.

Some of that strain on the system is visible in emergency rooms.

One study found that instances of emergencies related to mental health conditions, overdoses,

and abuse were higher in March through October of 2020 compared to the year before.

The supply problem of needing more mental health professionals and services is one that has to be solved long-term.

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