There is a growing trend of Russians seeking psychological support as societal anxiety rises, prompting discussions about expanding mental health services to the wider population. This trend was highlighted by a survey conducted through the Vrachu.ru platform and reviewed by socialbites.ca, underscoring the urgency of broadening access to care in everyday life.
The survey gathered responses from 2,068 participants, including doctors and medical staff from across the country’s regions, providing a broad snapshot of attitudes and experiences related to mental health care in contemporary Russia.
An overwhelming majority of clinicians—88.5%—expressed strong support for offering free psychological assistance in clinical settings. They emphasized that increasing anxiety levels among the population call for accessible mental health services, particularly within primary healthcare facilities. Only a small minority, 6.7%, expressed uncertainty about the need for such support, while 4.7% believed that the funds allocated to this project could be directed toward other priorities within the healthcare system.
At the same time, many clinicians and nurses—65.9%—admitted they were not aware of the opening of medical and psychological counseling rooms. Since July 1, new regulations in Russia allow individuals to see a psychologist free of charge through compulsory health insurance, marking a notable shift toward more inclusive mental health coverage. The gap in awareness suggests a need for better dissemination of information about available services and how to access them within clinics and communities.
Meanwhile, 17.2% of respondents reported that no psychologist was available in their own clinic, but they knew a counseling office had been opened in another health institution within their region. Another 16.9% indicated that their healthcare facility had recently begun offering such a service, signaling a gradual expansion of capacity and a distributed network of support across regions. These insights point to uneven implementation, with some areas rapidly improving access while others lag behind, potentially affecting patient experiences and outcomes.
When asked about expanding community-based psychological support, a solid 83% of respondents answered with a definite yes, citing current conditions as a driving factor. About 10% suggested that other healthcare system challenges should be prioritized before broadening psychological services, and 7% remained unsure or offered no clear stance. The responses collectively reflect a strong demand for more proactive mental health outreach and the recognition that timely, affordable care can help address rising anxiety and related concerns across the population.
In closing, the broader implications for public health policy become clear: targeted investment in community mental health resources, clearer information about service access, and ongoing evaluation of how these services impact patient well-being will be essential as health systems adapt to evolving needs and expectations across regions.