Chappell Roan Calls for Mental Healthcare Reform in Music Industry

Mental health is finally becoming a mainstream conversation in the music industry, and at the center of this awakening is Chappell Roan. The Best New Artist winner used her platform and Grammy Awards speech to spark a movement for better mental healthcare access and treatments for artists.

In an industry that thrives on creativity but often has been suspected of neglecting the well-being of its own talent, Roan’s message resonated across generations of musicians. Her call for livable wages and healthcare for developing artists went viral, forcing the industry to acknowledge its responsibility.

Within days, Universal Music Group (UMG) responded, partnering with the Music Health Alliance to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund—a major step toward providing outpatient mental healthcare resources for music professionals. 

The major-label group and music nonprofit assert that the new initiative will provide “comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources for music industry professionals nationwide,” including those who have left the industry.

The initiative is being marketed as an international expansion upon a previous partnership between the two companies, the Priority Healthcare Advocacy Program, which was said to provide free, confidential healthcare resources to UMG artists. However, many are questioning whether this initiative is enough. 

The Reality: A Mental Health Crisis in the Music Industry

But despite such new initiatives, mental health struggles in the music industry have been an open secret. The pressures of financial instability and the grueling demands of touring and production can leave artists vulnerable to anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and burnout.

The alignment of responses to Roan speech shows how much mental health is at the forefront of young artists’ creative consciousness. Some are pushing for labels to include free therapy sessions in their freshly minted contracts. 

Startling Facts About Mental Health in the Music Industry:

• Musicians are three times more likely to experience depression than the general public. (University of Westminster & MusicTank, 2017)

• Suicide rates among musicians are significantly higher, with industry legends like Avicii and Chris Cornell shining a tragic light on the issue.

• 70% of musicians have reported experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety.

• Many artists, especially independent and developing ones, lack access to affordable healthcare, leaving them without the necessary mental health support.

Roan, who has been diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, used her speech to shine a spotlight on these painful truths, calling for real industry-wide change beyond just short-term mental health initiatives.

“I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, she asserted in front of that global audience“…"I would demand that labels and the industry…would offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists."

Young Creators Need Access to Quality Mental Healthcare

Roan’s story is personal— she has spoken about struggling to afford healthcare after being dropped by her label in 2020. Her experience is a stark reminder that the industry often prioritizes profit over the well-being of its artists.

The rise of young artists advocating for mental health is shaping the future of the industry. More musicians are using their platforms to demand:

• Mental health support written into contracts

• Access to therapy and wellness programs

• Fair compensation and protections for independent artists

The Counseling Center Can Help You With Quality Mental Health Treatment

At The Counseling Center, we recognize the urgency of mental healthcare for artists, creators, and industry professionals. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a behind-the-scenes professional, or someone struggling with the demands of creative work, we provide accessible, high-quality outpatient mental health care tailored to your needs.

Reach out to us at 866-850-5001 today to discover more about our mental health services. Our accredited therapists are also experienced in managing treatment-resistant depression with SPRAVATO®, a revolutionary esketamine medicine.