Mental Health Care Access & Provider Fit Survey

Welcome and thank you for participating in this survey about mental health care access and experiences. This survey is voluntary. You may skip any question or stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers—we are interested in your honest opinions and experiences. Your responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate. No personally identifying information will be shared. The results will be used to improve mental health services and provider matching. The survey takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete.

In the last 12 months, did you try to get mental health care?

• Yes, I saw a provider
• Yes, I tried but did not get an appointment
• No
• Prefer not to say

Which type(s) of mental health provider did you see in the last 12 months? Select all that apply.

• Psychiatrist (MD/DO)
• Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)
• Therapist/Counselor (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC)
• Primary care clinician
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner
• Group therapy program
• Other
• Not applicable—I did not see a provider

Approximately how many mental health appointments did you have in the last 12 months?

• 0
• 1–3
• 4–6
• 7–12
• 13–24
• 25 or more

How well did your most recent provider's expertise match your needs?

My most recent provider listened carefully to my concerns.

My most recent provider explained treatment options clearly.

My most recent provider made me feel comfortable and respected.

In the last 12 months, did you switch mental health providers?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

Please rank the reasons you switched providers, from most to least important.

1. Poor fit with provider
2. Wait times were too long
3. Cost or insurance issues
4. Schedule didn't work
5. Provider left or changed network
6. Preferred telehealth
7. Location or transportation

How long did you wait for your most recent new-patient mental health appointment?

• Same week
• 1–2 weeks
• 3–4 weeks
• 1–2 months
• 3+ months
• I never got an appointment

Which of the following, if any, made it difficult for you to get a mental health appointment? Select all that apply.

• No providers taking new patients
• Waitlist too long
• Cost too high or insurance not accepted
• Couldn't find a provider who fit my needs
• Available times didn't fit my schedule
• Transportation or distance
• Uncomfortable seeking care
• Technology barriers
• Other
• None of the above

In the last 12 months, did you use telehealth (video or phone) for mental health care?

• Yes, video visits
• Yes, phone calls
• Yes, both
• No

Compared with in-person visits, telehealth was more convenient.

Compared with in-person visits, the quality of care via telehealth was just as good.

Compared with in-person visits, I felt just as comfortable being open and honest during telehealth sessions.

How do you usually pay for mental health care?

• Employer-sponsored insurance
• Individual/Marketplace plan
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Student plan
• Military/VA (e.g., TRICARE)
• Uninsured/self-pay
• Other
• Prefer not to say

Approximately how much did you pay out of pocket for your most recent mental health visit?

• $0 (fully covered)
• $1–$25
• $26–$50
• $51–$100
• $101–$200
• More than $200
• Don't know / Prefer not to say

Overall, my mental health care costs were affordable.

What, if anything, might keep you from seeking mental health care in the next 6 months? Select all that apply.

• I feel fine / no need
• Prefer self-help or informal support
• Privacy or stigma concerns
• Cost or coverage
• Unsure how to get started
• Scheduling or transportation
• Past negative experience
• Don't trust providers
• Other
• Nothing is likely to prevent me

How likely are you to seek mental health care in the next 6 months?

Please rank the following from most to least important when choosing a mental health provider.

1. Expertise that matches my concerns
2. Appointments available soon
3. Insurance accepted / low out-of-pocket cost
4. Good communication style / rapport
5. Cultural or language match
6. Telehealth availability
7. Location / convenience

Based on your responses in this survey, please share any additional thoughts or feelings about your experience getting or receiving mental health care.

We'd like to learn a bit more about your mental health care experience. An AI moderator will ask a couple of brief follow-up questions.

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65+
• Prefer not to say

Which best describes your gender?

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary or gender diverse
• Prefer not to say

Where do you currently live?

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• European Union
• Other

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or GED
• Some college / Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate or professional degree
• Prefer not to say

What is your current employment status?

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Self-employed
• Student
• Unemployed
• Homemaker
• Retired
• Unable to work
• Prefer not to say

How do you describe your race or ethnicity? Select all that apply.

• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino/a/x
• Middle Eastern or North African
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• White
• Multiple races/ethnicities
• Other
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for completing this survey. Your responses are confidential and will be used to help improve mental health care access and provider matching. If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.