Op-ed: Why direct cash is a critical mental health strategy Jesse Paulsen, MD and Maeve Sloan | Feb 18, 2021 Share this: During this past year of global health crises and economic pressure, we have seen a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. For many, the pressures of COVID-19 and its financial fallout have exacerbated day-to-day pressures. For some, this time has led them to seek out mental health resources for the first time. As a practicing Psychiatrist and a Psychologist in training, we see every day the toll economic strain has on mental health. Unfortunately, the best therapeutic interventions often cannot take the place of the basic security of knowing you and the people you love will have a roof over your head and food on the table. In fact, this type of physical safety and security often provide an essential foundation for addressing mental health challenges.