Top 5 Mental Health Care Predictions for 2025

1. Prediction: Virtual care does not mean virtual only care – hybrid care may become the standard.

The shift toward hybrid care may accelerate, driven by evolving patient preferences and demand.

A recent report from Deloitte found consumers are nearly evenly divided in their preferences for virtual versus in-person mental health care, with 38 percent favoring in-person services and 35 percent preferring virtual care. As of December 2024, approximately 71 percent of LifeStance’s sessions were virtual and 29 percent were in-person, with many patients taking advantage of both care settings. In-person visits make up about 39 percent of new patient appointments.

While telehealth remains a convenient choice, demand for in-person care is steadily rising, driven by clinical appropriateness and quality clinical standards for safe care delivery. Over time, I personally expect to see a trend toward a greater proportion of in-person care, and the providers who can deliver both virtual and in-person care effectively will stand out.

2. Prediction: Health care innovation for innovation’s sake may slow down. Instead, purposeful, clinician-informed innovations will take precedence.

Technology innovation in health care will likely streamline the experience for patients and clinicians, but clinicians are expected to remain the most important component of high-quality, effective care. The health care industry and payers should embrace advanced technologies while recognizing them as a valuable tool that complements, but never replaces, the heart and humanity of a clinician.

The future of AI and other advanced technologies in health care will likely be shaped by their ability to streamline administrative tasks, enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict health trends and provide real-time insights for personalized interventions. Yet if these tools are developed without clinical expertise and ethical oversight, they risk compromising patient care and negatively impacting outcomes.

As organizations face pressure to adopt new technologies to retain top talent and fulfill patient expectations, implementing technology without a clear clinical purpose could erode the patient experience and undermine clinical outcomes if not seamlessly implemented. It is expected that success among health care entities will require a thoughtful approach, balancing technological advancements with the irreplaceable human connection clinicians bring to care.

3. Prediction: Health care model innovation may rival the impact of AI.

Amid the hyper-focus on technology innovation in health care, I believe an equally important shift is taking place. Improved models of care, like integrated behavioral health and interprofessional consult, are gaining much-deserved attention and momentum, backed by a growing body of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Health care leaders will be expected to make bold investments in these models, recognizing their ability to improve access to mental health services and improve patient outcomes and overall care quality. By improving patient access, reducing provider burnout, and enhancing care continuity, these models may prove to be just as transformative as emerging AI solutions.

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4. Prediction: More patients and clinicians may embrace interventional psychiatry.

Interventional psychiatry may see significant growth as more patients and providers adopt these evidence-based solutions for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. Procedures like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato®, and ketamine can offer new hope for patients who haven’t responded to traditional psychotherapy and medication management. Increased clinician education and standardized processes can help ensure that these services are accessible, safe and scalable. Specialty services like these have the potential to drive a more personalized approach to mental health care, giving patients greater autonomy in selecting the treatment that aligns with their needs and preferences. As these advancements gain momentum, interventional psychiatry stands to solidify its role as an essential component of modern mental health care.

5. Prediction: Health care organizations will continue to place a higher premium on “value” above all.

I personally expect to see the health care industry continue shifting from volume-based to value-based care, which focuses on quality outcomes and aligns with the interests of patients, providers and payors. This transition can lead to better health outcomes for patients and more accurate reimbursements for providers while addressing industry challenges like clinician shortages and burnout.

For clinicians, value-based care offers non-tangible benefits such as reduced stress and a greater focus on meaningful care delivery. Streamlined workflows and tools, like AI-supported documentation, can also reduce cognitive burden, enabling clinicians to dedicate more time and value to their patients without sacrificing their own well-being. Prioritizing value in both patient outcomes and clinician support may lead to more sustainable care models and better overall experiences across the board.

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This article, and the information therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent estimates and assumptions only as of the date made and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations contained in these statements. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Various factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the market and industry predictions made herein.

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Authored By 

Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar

Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar is a double board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist. He is also an accomplished physician executive and established thought leader in care model innovation, with extensive experience leading diverse clinical teams and integrating a continuum of care to drive clinical outcomes in academic, community practice and managed care settings.