The Mental Health Gap Doctors Don’t Close - Scorecard - MDSpire

The Mental Health Gap Doctors Don’t Close

National survey data also suggested lower treatment rates among health care workers with either condition.

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • May 27, 2026

  • 5 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Anxiety, Depression Higher in Health Workers

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
Condition
Key MechanismsHigher prevalence and lower treatment rates among health care workers compared to non-health care workers, with potential underdiagnosis and stigma affecting care.
Target Population
Care Setting

Key Highlights

  • 23% of health care workers reported anxiety compared to 19% of non-health care workers.
  • 22% of health care workers reported depression compared to 19% of non-health care workers.
  • 87% of health care workers with anxiety or depression received neither medication nor counseling.
  • Untreated anxiety and depression rates remained stable among health care workers from 2021 to 2024, despite rising prevalence.
  • Lower household income correlated with higher odds of anxiety and depression.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

    Management

    • Implement structural interventions such as peer support programs and embedded counseling services.
    • Address potential underdiagnosis and stigma affecting mental health disclosure and care-seeking.

    Monitoring & Follow-up

      Risks

        Patient & Prescribing Data

        Health care workers experiencing anxiety and depression.

        High rates of untreated anxiety and depression despite rising prevalence.

        Clinical Best Practices

        • Encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma.
        • Provide protected time for health care workers to seek mental health care.
        • Enhance access to mental health resources within the workplace.
        • Ensure cultural competence in mental health care for diverse populations.

        Related Resources & Content

        Original Source(s)

        The Mental Health Gap Doctors Don’t Close

        • by Kerri Miller

        • May 27, 2026

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