Eight-four percent of primary care providers said they must play an essential role in meeting rising demand for mental and behavioral health treatment in the U.S, according to a Medscape survey published March 6.
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Bureau of Health Workforce data found the number of designated mental health professional shortage areas rose from 6,418 to 6,807 in 2025, increasing pressure on primary care providers to address patients’ behavioral health needs.
The survey was conducted between July 2 and Nov. 19 and included 1,363 respondents, including 342 primary care providers, defined as family physicians and internists.
Here are five things to know:
- Fifty-three percent of respondents said their patients frequently need mental or behavioral health treatment, while 46% said patients require it occasionally.
- Eighty percent of respondents said rising demand for mental and behavioral healthcare contributes to their own feelings of burnout and stress. The survey cited time constraints and the lack of treatment facilities in their communities as key factors.
- Only 56% of primary care providers surveyed said they are properly trained to provide mental or behavioral health treatment, raising concerns about potential care gaps.
- Among those who have not received mental or behavioral health training, half said they do not plan to pursue it, citing time constraints, perceived differences in training between internists and family physicians, and concerns that addressing systemic mental healthcare issues would make only a small difference in a strained system.
- When patients require mental or behavioral healthcare, 63% of primary care providers refer them to affiliated psychiatrist or mental health professional, 52% treat them within scope of licensure and 33% refer them to unaffiliated psychiatrists or mental health professionals. Coordinating referrals and managing parallel treatment plans often presents a greater challenge than training or billing issues.
