09 Jul Boosting Mental Health Access through Locum Tenens and Telehealth: Trend Grows in 2025
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! Today’s blog explores how telehealth and locum tenens solutions are shaping better access to care in 2025 and beyond. #MentalHealthMatters #HealthEquity
Minority Mental Health Month & Access to Care
In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded of the critical importance of access to mental health services. Achieving healthcare equity begins with ensuring that individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the mental care they need. Two of the promising developments regarding expanded access have been the rise of telehealth and the growing opportunities for psychologists to work as locum tenens providers.
Recent data suggests that although declines in healthcare staffing overall, locum tenens opportunities for mental health professionals are among the fastest growing in the sector.
Locum Tenens and Expanding Access
The locum tenens model has traditionally been a career choice for healthcare professionals, providing flexibility and the ability to fill gaps in care. In fact, recent statistics indicate that nearly 7 percent of doctors in the U.S. engage in locum tenens assignments. However, what’s most noteworthy is that since 2019, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic, this model has expanded significantly within the field of mental health.
For many mental health professionals, especially psychologists and psychiatrists, the draw of temporary work—as part-time roles or filling in during planned personal leaves, vacations, and sabbaticals—has opened new doors. This flexibility not only allows psychologists to explore diverse working environments and work in specialty areas but also enables them to provide crucial services to underserved populations. The increase in locum tenens opportunities means more psychologists can step into roles where their skills are in high demand, particularly in areas facing a shortage of mental health professionals.
What It Means for Those Who Need Care
This shift is particularly encouraging for individuals seeking mental health support. With a greater number of psychologists available to provide care, more people can receive much-needed assistance, contributing to better outcomes across diverse communities. This alignment of supply and demand is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the field.
As we reflect on Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrate this transformation in access to mental health care, not only through recognition, but also by growing opportunities for access. By embracing telehealth and the locum tenens model, we are taking significant steps toward closing the gaps in services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to seek help and support. And the advent of telehealth convenience has added the benefit of broadened access to care for traditionally underserved populations.
The Future of Equity in Care
Altogether, the rise of locum tenens opportunities for psychologists is not just a trend; it is a vital pathway to improving mental health care access, fostering equity, and ultimately enhancing the well-being of diverse communities. As we continue to navigate the evolving marketplace of healthcare, it is crucial to remember that these changes serve a more significant purpose: the health and happiness of all individuals.
Opportunities for Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Clinicians
Annashae believes in a world where mental health care is accessible to everyone regardless of their background. We provide clinicians to hospitals and other healthcare facilities when they have needs. We also make locum tenens opportunities available to psychologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians who are seeking part-time, temporary or full-time permanent employment. Contact us to today to learn more or explore some of our current opportunities here: Current Opportunities with Annashae.
