There's no research data outlining exactly how many Americans are turning to therapy during the recession, but psychologists across the nation report that office visits, especially those pertaining to depression and anxiety, are up sharply.

With the recession, housing crisis and skyrocketing unemployment rates, its no wonder the national stress level is near critical levels. From the single parent who can't pay the rent to the small business owner forced to lay off longtime staff members, poor economic conditions are taking a heavy toll on the psyche of many Americans.

What's more alarming, though, is that the citizens who really need treatment are now the least likely to receive it. Americans who have been laid off and no longer have health insurance must juggle financial stress with lack of health care. Without jobs or any prospect for economic improvement on the horizon, there are some who are becoming so depressed that they believe life isn't worth going on. Suicide is quickly becoming a major concern for mental health experts.

A certain amount of anxiety is to be expected in a financial crisis, experts say. After all, money is a major cause of stress in daily life. But when a person's quality of life is significantly affected by the loss of their job--depressed mood, prolonged anxiety, sleeplessness--experts warn that it's time to visit a therapist.