Americans Struggle to Get Mental Health Care

In the spring of 2018, more than 63% of college students in the US experienced anxiety, according to the American College Health Association. But those who look for help are likely to find they have to get in line.

Tarek Saoud tried to get help at the university in Ohio, where he studied. "I called the student mental health services and they told me I could see one of their therapists in, like, two months ... unless it was urgent."

The situation is similar in many universities throughout the country. Students at the University of California wait up to six weeks to see a therapist if it's not an emergency. At California State University, it can take two to four weeks to get an appointment.

And it's not just college students who are finding it difficult to get mental health care. About 56% of Americans report looking for or wanting to find mental health services for themselves or a loved one. But it's not always easy to get the care they're looking for.

Dr. Vaile Wright of the American Psychological Association (APA) says there are simply not enough mental health services for those who need or want them.

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, there's a growing shortage of mental health treatment programs. And APA estimates that by 2030, there will be 22,000 fewer psychologists than needed.

Questions: 
1.What percentage of students in the US experienced anxiety in the spring of 2018? 
2.How long do students at the University of California have to wait to see a therapist? 
3.Will there be enough psychologists in the US in 2030, according to the APA? 
4.Why do you think so many US college students experience anxiety? 
5.Do you expect the number of people experiencing mental health issues to increase over the next few decades? Why? Why not? 

Vocabulary: 
1.anxiety = a mental health condition which causes people to feel nervous or worried 
2.treatment = something that is done to cure a sick or injured person