Analysis of Recent Studies Assessing Mental Health Intervention Outcomes Among Men in the COVID-19 Era

By Helen Whitaker

National surveys from 2020 recorded higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among adult men than in pre-pandemic periods. [1] Telehealth visits for mental health concerns rose quickly in the initial months of the outbreak. [2] Access patterns differed by race and ethnicity. [3]

Symptom Changes During the Pandemic

Survey data collected in June 2020 indicated that probable anxiety and depression increased among men, though levels stayed below those reported by women. [1] These shifts appeared across multiple national samples and exceeded rates seen in earlier years.

Telehealth Growth

Records from January through March 2020 showed a steep climb in telemedicine use for mental health care. [2] Men under age 50 accounted for a notable share of first-time users of these remote services.

Access Differences by Group

Data from April and May 2020 revealed lower utilization of available mental health resources among racial and ethnic minority men. [3] Factors such as technology access and awareness contributed to uneven reach.

What this means

The three reports together illustrate that remote service options expanded reach for some men while gaps remained for others. Symptom elevations occurred alongside these service changes, yet cross-sectional designs limit direct links between interventions and outcomes.

Key takeaways

• National surveys found elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms in men during 2020 compared with prior periods. [1]
• Telehealth adoption for mental health rose markedly in early 2020, with younger men showing higher initial uptake. [2]
• Racial and ethnic minority men reported lower engagement with services amid documented disparities. [3]
• Self-reported measures formed the core of all three datasets, introducing possible underreporting.

Limitations

The evidence rests on self-reported surveys that may undercount symptoms due to stigma or recall issues. Cross-sectional snapshots do not establish causation for any single intervention. Subgroup data for sexual minority men or older adults remain limited.

Last updated: September 4, 2026