16 Dec The State of the Psychiatry Profession Heading Into 2023
Looking ahead to the new year, psychiatrists will be in high demand virtually everywhere across the U.S.
According to the National Health Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-fifth of adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. And with that high of a number of potential patients, there will continue to be a psychiatrist shortage – especially in under-served, rural locations and smaller communities.
Also in high demand are the services of non-physician providers who offer counseling and support services in areas such as behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and other types of mental health issues.
So whether you’re a practicing MD/DO or a resident about to enter the profession, psychiatry will continue to be a long-term employment option – offering great career opportunities into 2023 and beyond.
A few other things to keep an eye out for in 2023 include:
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Salary Trends In the Field
In 2022, the average salary for psychiatrists in the United States ranged from $207,861 (Mississippi) to $300,821 (Hawaii). The field has the highest annual mean wage in behavioral health and there are no signs of slowing down for psychiatrists when it comes to salary.
In 2023, annual salaries are expected to rise again, as shortages in available doctors and greater needs from a patient perspective continue to persist.
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The Growing Visibility of Mental Health
Mental health is gaining visibility, and services are becoming more accessible, creating a growing need for psychiatrists. A lot of this awareness stems from reactions to the pandemic and other external stresses. The question is whether this newfound awareness is just a blip or whether it’s here to stay. Many experts in the field agree that this positive trend should only increase as more technologies and structures are put into place.
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Improved Access to Mental Health Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased strain on mental health and substance use resources. This reality has accelerated demand for virtual behavioral health services, and the future of psychiatry will likely become more personalized. Psychiatrists are likely to see an increase in video conference sessions and patients may not have to leave their homes to access care.
Already, virtual therapy websites enable patients to attend online sessions, providing therapeutic support they otherwise might not receive. Increased internet bandwidth and camera technology also means these sessions can be as effective as getting care in person. Mobile-based mental health interventions can happen at any time and in any place, making it ideal for those who don’t want to or don’t have the resources to keep up with in-person appointments.
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Technology Will Only Continue to Drive Care
For 2023 and beyond, many of the evolving trends for psychiatrists will have to do with what researchers learn about the brain.
It’s possible that the future of psychiatry will involve advanced technology and techniques such as deep brain stimulation – the implanting of activated electrical nodes inside the brain. This treatment has proven effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
While deep brain stimulation isn’t ready for psychiatric use just yet, it’s a trend that mental health practitioners should be aware of.
Technology may also be a helpful first step for those who have previously avoided mental health treatment. As an example, there is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform called Quartet that identifies at-risk patients by assessing medical records – adjusting mental health paths, and suggesting professional help if needed.
In addition, mental health bots are gaining popularity. Woebot, Moodkits and Moodnotes employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and various strategies to assist individuals in improving their mental health.
Contact Annashae Today to Grow Your Career
At Annashae, we’re dedicated to the placement of highly-skilled psychiatrists in short and long-term positions. As a nationwide medical staffing and consulting firm, we provide a range of services that enable our candidates to quickly find the career opportunity that fits their needs. For information on how you can further your psychiatric career, contact us today.