8 Mental Health Trends to Watch in 2022

Keep an eye out for these emerging trends and exciting new research developments in mental health in the new year.

Mental health became an important part of the public conversation in 2021, as Olympic athletes, celebrities, and other public figures came forward about their well-being and helped reduce the stigma. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, we can expect mental health to continue to be a top priority in 2022, particularly as the United States reckons with a growing mental health crisis. In fact, a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association showed that one-quarter of Americans made a new year’s resolution to improve their mental health in 2022. Although 2021 wasn’t without its challenges, the past year brought growth, understanding, and hopefully, renewed optimism. New developments in science, such as the COVID-19 vaccines, are a testament to humanity’s commitment to healing. Other exciting research studies have shown us how we can improve mental health services, address racial and socioeconomic disparities, and ultimately, enhance our overall well-being from the inside out. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot happening in the mental health space — too much for one article alone. To determine our top mental health trends of 2022, we consulted experts in the field and Psych Central’s Medical Affairs Team. Note that some of these trends aren’t yet available, but we expect a continued increase in research and accessibility in the months to come.

  1. Trauma-informed care
  2. Blood tests for mental illness
  3. Advancements in psychedelic research
  4. Setting healthy boundaries with social media
  5. Artificial intelligence in clinical settings
  6. Continued expansion in telehealth services
  7. Increase in transcranial magnetic stimulation
  8. Virtual reality for chronic pain and care

Read in more detail here.

By Morgan Mandriota

By Kiersten Borkert
Kiersten Borkert Career Counselor