Alliance Note: Earlier this week Mental Health America, the national arm of state and regional Mental Health Associations, released their annual report, The State of Mental Health in America, which outlined the most recently available data on how many people are dealing with mental health and substance use challenges as well as the percentage of people who are receiving services, among other important metrics.
This year’s report highlights several key findings including that 23% of adults experienced major mental health challenges and 5% had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Youth mental health remains an area of critical need post pandemic, with 1 in 5 experiencing major depressive episodes, and a significant percentage not receiving adequate services and support. The report also emphasizes the disparity in access to mental health services, with insurance parity and overall cost of services being a major barrier.
The report’s findings exemplify the need for serious improvements to our national mental health system. We have a critical need to invest in community-based services that are accessible and responsive to local needs. Policies and programs must be developed with substantial input from those of us with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges and those currently utilizing these services. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions are practical, respectful, and effective, addressing the real needs of those affected by mental health issues. Prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity in service delivery is essential for meaningful progress. See below for more information, including key findings from the report.
The State of Mental Health In America
Mental Health America (MHA) is dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected. Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service. We envision a world in which all people and communities have equitable opportunity for mental well-being and are enabled to flourish and live with purpose and meaning.
We believe that gathering and providing up-to-date data and information about disparities faced by individuals with mental health problems is a tool for change.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a serious impact on the ability to collect national surveillance data in 2020. As a result, SAMHSA has determined that 2021 will represent a trend break from previous years, meaning the results of the NSDUH moving forward will not be comparable to data collected before 2021. Eleven of the 15 indicators used to rank the states in the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report were calculated using the 2021-2022 NSDUH data. This is a reminder that the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report cannot be compared to previous reports. For more information, see SAMHSA’s statement here.
Our report is a collection of data across all 50 states and the District of Columbia and seeks to answer the following questions:
- How many adults and youth have mental health issues?
- How many adults and youth have substance use issues?
- How many adults and youth have access to insurance?
- How many adults and youth have access to adequate insurance?
- How many adults and youth have access to mental health care?
- Which states have higher barriers to accessing mental health care?
Our goal:
- To provide a snapshot of mental health status among youth and adults for policy and program planning, analysis, and evaluation;
- To track changes in the prevalence of mental health issues and access to mental health care;
- To understand how changes in national data reflect the impact of legislation and policies; and
- To increase dialogue with and improve outcomes for individuals and families with mental health needs.
Why gather this information?
- Using national survey data allows us to measure a community’s mental health needs, access to care, and outcomes regardless of the differences between the states and their varied mental health policies.
- Rankings explore which states are more effective at addressing issues related to mental health and substance use.
Analysis may reveal similarities and differences among states, allowing for assessment of how federal and state mental health policies result in more or less access to care
Key Findings 2024:
- In 2021-2022, 23% of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year, equivalent to nearly 60 million Americans.
- More than 5% of the U.S. adult population (12.8 million people) reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. After slight decreases in suicide deaths in 2019 and 2020, the number of individuals who died by suicide in 2022 was the highest number ever recorded in the U.S.
- 13% of youth ages 12-17 reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. The percentage of youth reporting suicidal ideation was highest among youth who identified as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (25%) and more than one race (20%).
- 1 in 5 youth had at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Over half of them – nearly 3 million youth – did not receive treatment. Of those who did receive treatment, only 65% said it helped them.
- The vast majority of individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. 18% of adults in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in the past year. Of them, 77% did not receive treatment.
- 9% of youth in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in the past year. Youth were more likely to struggle with drugs than alcohol – 3% had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, while 7% had a drug use disorder.
- 60.5% of youth in the U.S. are flourishing, which is associated with school engagement and other positive outcomes for youth. The percentage of youth who were flourishing was highest in Georgia, Illinois, and Hawaii.
- Cost is still a significant barrier to accessing mental health care. 1 in 4 adults with frequent mental distress could not see a doctor due to cost, a 2% increase over the last report.
- 10% of adults with a mental illness are uninsured. In 2022, 64% of adults who were uninsured said that they did not have health insurance because they could not afford it.
- Millions of adults and youth in the U.S. still lack parity in insurance coverage of mental health and substance use services. 10% of adults and 8.5% of youth still have private insurance that does not cover mental health.
- Only 0.67% of students are identified as having an emotional disturbance (ED) for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). While there was an increase in mental distress among students from 2019-2021, the percentage of students identified with emotional disturbance for an IEP decreased in all states except for Wyoming, Texas, and South Dakota.
- There are 340 people for every 1 mental health provider in the U.S. However, these figures may be an overestimate of active mental health professionals, as it may include providers who are no longer practicing or accepting new patients.
Explore the web-based report or download the printable report using this link to Mental Health America’s webpage.