Mental Health Awareness Month 2026: Why More Americans Are Turning to Telehealth for Anxiety and Depression

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and if you've been quietly wondering whether it's time to get help for anxiety or depression, you're not alone, and this is a good moment to start.

More than 57 million adults in the U.S. experience a mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Depression and anxiety are the two most common conditions, and both are rising. Rula Health's 2026 State of Mental Health Report — based on a survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults — found that rates of depression and anxiety climbed roughly 10% between 2025 and 2026.

What's also rising: the number of people choosing online therapy for anxiety and depression as their path to care. The reasons are practical, evidence-based, and worth understanding before you book your first appointment.

The State of Mental Health in America in 2026

The numbers are striking. According to Rula's 2026 report, 60% of Americans say they value their mental health more today than they did five years ago. Yet fewer than half — just 47.4% — have ever accessed any mental health services.

That gap between awareness and action comes down to a handful of persistent barriers: cost, wait times, geography, and stigma. These aren't small obstacles. For many people, they feel impossible.

Cost is the most common one. Rula's data shows 25% of Americans cite the price of care as their top barrier, and 50% have cut back on healthcare spending due to inflation. Traditional in-person psychiatry visits often run $200 to $500 without insurance. And when you're already under financial stress — which Rula identifies as the single most-cited trigger for worsening mental health in 2026 — an expensive, weeks-long wait for a psychiatric appointment can feel like a door that just won't open.

Telehealth changes that.

Why Online Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Is Growing

Online therapy for anxiety and depression has grown because it solves each of those barriers directly.

Cost. Platforms like Klarity Health accept most major insurance plans, so many patients pay only a standard copay. Self-pay rates for telehealth are also significantly lower than in-person alternatives — often by half or more.

Wait times. The average wait for an in-person psychiatrist in the U.S. is over three weeks. Klarity Health's network of 2,000+ licensed providers means same-week appointments are available in most cases, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Access. If you live in a rural area, a suburb with limited providers, or a city where the next available appointment is months out, online therapy levels the playing field. Telehealth is available in all 50 states, no commute required.

Privacy. Attending your appointment from home removes one of the quietest but most real barriers to seeking care — the fear of being seen. There's no waiting room, no shared parking lot. Just a secure, private video visit with a licensed professional.

And the outcomes hold up. Research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research confirms that telehealth produces results comparable to in-person care for both anxiety and depression.

What to Expect at Your First Online Therapy Appointment

For many people, not knowing what to expect is itself a barrier. Here is exactly what the process looks like at Klarity Health:

1. Book in under five minutes. Select the condition you'd like help with — anxiety, depression, or both — choose a licensed provider, and pick an appointment time that works for your schedule.
2. Complete a brief intake. Before your visit, you'll answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications. This helps your provider make your appointment as productive as possible.
3. Meet your provider via secure video. Your first appointment is typically 30 to 60 minutes. Your provider listens, asks follow-up questions, and discusses your goals.
4. Receive a personalized care plan. Based on your evaluation, your provider may recommend therapy, medication, or both. If medication is appropriate — SSRIs, SNRIs, or other evidence-based treatments — a prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy the same day.
5. Schedule follow-up. Most patients check in with their provider every four to eight weeks for ongoing medication management and care adjustments.

There's no pressure to have all the answers before your first visit. That's what the appointment is for.

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy for Anxiety and Depression?

In most cases, yes. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance plans must cover mental health treatment on par with physical health care. Major insurers — including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare — cover telehealth mental health visits.

Klarity Health accepts most major insurance plans, and you can verify your coverage before booking with no commitment required. If you don't have insurance, self-pay options are available at rates that are typically lower than traditional in-person care. There are no hidden subscription fees.

How Klarity Health Works

Klarity Health connects patients with licensed, board-certified providers — psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — who specialize in anxiety treatment online and online depression care.

With 2,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, Klarity Health makes it possible to go from "I've been thinking about getting help" to "appointment confirmed" in the same afternoon. Insurance is accepted. Same-week availability is common. And you never have to leave your house to do it.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a good reminder that you deserve support — and that effective care doesn't have to be hard to reach.

Find a licensed provider for anxiety or depression on Klarity Health →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online therapy for anxiety and depression as effective as in-person care?
Yes. Research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research confirms that telehealth delivers outcomes comparable to in-person care for both anxiety and depression.

Can I get anxiety or depression medication through telehealth?
Yes. Licensed psychiatric providers on Klarity Health can evaluate your symptoms and, when clinically appropriate, prescribe medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety and depression.

How quickly can I get a telehealth appointment for anxiety or depression?
Klarity Health typically matches patients with a licensed provider within 24 to 48 hours, with same-week availability in most states.

Does Medicaid cover online therapy for anxiety and depression?
Medicaid telehealth coverage varies by state but has expanded significantly in recent years. Most states now cover telehealth mental health services through Medicaid. Contact your state's Medicaid program or your plan directly to confirm benefits.

All providers on Klarity Health are independent licensed professionals. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.

Article reviewed by licensed providers on the Klarity Health network. Last updated: May 14, 2026.