COVID-19 Disrupts Mental Health Services in 93% of Countries, WHO Survey Finds

November 8, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Pandemic Disrupts Global Mental Health Services

According to who.int, 93% of nations globally have experienced disruptions or stoppages in vital mental health services amid a rising need for psychological care due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

  • Over 60% of countries reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and older adults.
  • Prior to the pandemic, countries spent less than 2 percent of national health budgets on mental health.
  • Every US$1 spent on evidence-based care for depression and anxiety returns US$5 in economic productivity.

Survey Reveals Scale of Global Disruptions

Encompassing 130 countries, the recent survey offers initial worldwide figures demonstrating how severely COVID-19 has affected care accessibility. The World Health Organization conducted the evaluation between June and August 2020 across six global regions.

Widespread disruptions affected multiple tiers of care. Sixty-seven percent of nations saw disruptions to counseling and psychotherapy. Meanwhile, 30% reported difficulties with access to medications for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering new mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications such as delirium, agitation, and stroke.

People with pre-existing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders face heightened vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These patients carry a higher risk of severe clinical outcomes and mortality.

Funding Gaps Fuel Telemedicine Disparities

Although 89% of countries reported that mental health is part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17% have full additional funding for these activities. Mental health still receives less than 1% of international aid earmarked for health.

Countries adopted telemedicine or teletherapy to overcome in-person barriers. However, more than 80% of high-income countries deployed these digital tools, compared with less than 50% of low-income nations.

Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and beyond.

Global Advocacy Ahead of October Event

The findings were published ahead of the World Health Organization’s Big Event for Mental Health. This global online advocacy event takes place on 10 October to call for increased investments.

The free public event streams from 16:00 to 19:00 CEST across digital platforms.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

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