--- title: "Could the Pandemic Reshape How We Treat Mental Health? | Sutter Health" description: "Sutter's mental health CEO John Boyd argues COVID-19 exposed the need to normalize conversations about mental health, especially for young people." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/can-covid-19-spur-change-in-mental-health" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) / 3. Can Covid 19 Spur Change In Mental Health # Can COVID-19 Spur Change in Mental Health? Sutter's mental health CEO John Boyd argues COVID-19 exposed the need to normalize conversations about mental health, especially for young people. September 2, 2020 ![Can COVID-19 Spur Change in Mental Health?](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/perspectives/Woman-contemplating-while-looking-out-windows-on-gloomy-day-b5fd44c8.jpg?h=1414&iar=0&w=2119 "Can COVID-19 Spur Change in Mental Health?") Mystery still surrounds COVID-19. How will it impact the upcoming flu season? Will younger generations eventually experience more severe symptoms? COVID-19 has also brought attention to matters important to the here and now, like the broader need for mental health support, especially in times of crisis. A recent report in [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-illness-in-america/202009/mental-health-suicide-and-the-covid-19-pandemic) notes that one-third of U.S adults have reported clinical anxiety and depression symptoms related to this public health crisis. Professionals are concerned that suicide rates will greatly increase over the next few months, and they’re calling for change in how we care for and talk about mental health. John Boyd, PsyD. “We need to create organizations, healthcare systems and communities where it’s OK for our young people and others to openly talk about needing additional mental health support,” said Sutter Health’s Mental Health & Addiction Care CEO, John Boyd, PsyD. “That means bringing human design back into mental health and addiction care. At Sutter Health, we believe mental health is human health, and we are studying new ways for youth to manage mental health in their everyday lives.” Hear more from Dr. Boyd on this topic in the [Healthcare Executive Podcast](https://soundcloud.com/healthcare-executive/behavioral-health-treatment-and-access-in-turbulent-times), a program by the [American College of Healthcare Executives](https://www.ache.org/). ## Topics [Mental health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mental+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Anxiety](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Anxiety%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Depression](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Depression%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ![Woman relaxing surounded by plants holding a laptop](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/EM5OmSghIQErnyINVGCliJ2w4OFGGHbQWFoViU5xxRs/fit=scale-down,dpr=2,width=1024) ## Behavioral health care Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with addiction, eating or mood disorders or other challenges, our behavioral health specialists can offer care, comfort and support. [Learn more about Behavioral health care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-care) ## Related articles ### [3 Digital Health Solutions Offering Mental Health and Well-being Support](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/strides-in-mental-health) ### [Breaking Stigma Through Leadership and Compassion](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/breaking-stigma-through-leadership-and-compassion) ### [Behavioral Health, Primary and Specialty Care Expands in the Central Valley](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/behavioral-health-primary-and-specialty-care-expands-in-the-central-valley) ### [Breaking the Silence: Improving Access to Mental Health Services](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/breaking-the-silence-how-one-health-system-is-improving-access-to-mental-health-services) [See all from Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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