Feeling Seen: The Implications on Treatment

Community Building: In-person mental health care was perceived to foster stronger therapeutic alliances, rapport, and peer-to-peer connections due to shared physical space and nonverbal cues.
Clinical Presentation: In-person care was considered more appropriate for clients with high-acuity concerns or complex diagnoses (e.g., active eating disorders, substance use, thought disorders), where safety and monitoring are critical.
Use of Clinical Skills: Clinicians reported that virtual settings significantly limit their ability to read body language, fully engage clients, and apply certain therapeutic techniques effectively.

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If community and belonging drive better mental health outcomes, how do we continue to define affirming care in an ever-changing landscape? Our expert partners share why this question matters now more than ever.

Key Insights

Social connection is the strongest predictor of longevity, with adequate relationships leading to a 50% greater survival likelihood.
Among teens and young adults, in-person time with friends has decreased 70% over two decades; with up to 30% of Americans now experiencing chronic loneliness.
Three-quarters of young adults turn to a peer first for help, making peer communities as critical as provider relationships for protective factors.

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“Lacking social connection is equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day… isolation predicts depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidality and earlier death. We know that social connection and community decrease depression and suicidality.”