National Health Priority Toolkit:
Behavioral & Mental Health

The Growing Behavioral and Mental Health Crisis

Rates of depression and anxiety are at all-time highs, but more than half adults with a mental illness receive no treatment at all. Add to this a worsening opioid epidemic killing tens of thousands of Americans each year and it’s clear our communities and patients need help. As PAs diagnose and treat behavioral and mental health issues across all practice settings, supporting them is essential to curbing this crisis.

#2
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-34
46%
Americans who will struggle with mental illness in their lifetime
95,000
Annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use
1.6 million
Americans suffering from an opioid use disorder

A Movement Toward Progress on Behavioral and Mental Health

AAPA and the PA Foundation continually commit substantial resources to preventing and treating substance use disorders and mental illness in communities across the nation. Behavioral and mental health is one of four National Health Priorities targeted as part of a national movement for healthier bodies and minds. Together with industry, health system, and community partners, we are giving PAs the knowledge and the tools needed to make a difference.

CME – Continuing Medical Education

Programs & Events

Tools & Resources

Together, We Are Building a Movement

Partners

Reach out about sponsorship, research, speaking, or programming opportunities.

Media

Let’s have a conversation about how PAs are addressing the behavioral and mental health crisis.