Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 57(1), Feb 2026, 19-27; doi:10.1037/pro0000665
There is a public health crisis in meeting the treatment needs of individuals living with serious mental illnesses. Much of the treatment of these individuals occurs in the public sector. However, this article makes the case that mental health professionals in private practice, especially psychologists, can also contribute to meeting this need. After exploring the magnitude of the need, we identify factors that create a timely opportunity for those in private practice to serve more individuals living with an serious mental illnesses. We then suggest how psychologists in private practice can do this work effectively, including its business and clinical aspects. Our ultimate objective is to encourage private practice psychologists to help address this national crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)