Correlates of patient interest in rehabilitation psychology services among individuals with long COVID: A cross-sectional analysis.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Long COVID is a complex chronic condition, affecting approximately 18% of adults in the United States and commonly involves fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain, and psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and insomnia). Despite high psychiatric burden, many individuals do not receive mental health care, and little is known about their interest in psychological services. This study characterized symptom profiles of long COVID and examined correlates of patients' interest in rehabilitation psychology services. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of routinely collected clinical data. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression analyses examined associations of interest. RESULTS: = 1,787. Interest in individual services was associated with not having a mental health provider, greater depression and anxiety, poor sleep, and lower cognitive functioning. Interest in group services was associated with psychiatric history, greater anxiety, lower cognitive and social functioning, and better physical functioning. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: Anxiety symptoms and cognitive difficulties are key correlates of interest in rehabilitation psychology services, underscoring the value of early screening and targeted intervention. Stigma and prioritization of medical concerns may limit engagement, highlighting the importance of psychoeducation and stigma-reduction efforts to support engagement in care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Source: Rehabilitation Psychology
DOI: 10.1037/rep0000671
Institution: University of Washington
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G3044499567
OpenAlex ID: W7154089441
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