Nearly one in four U.S. adults — about 60 million people — experienced a mental illness in 2024, according to The State of Mental Health in America 2025 report by Mental Health America (MHA).
While adult mental health has remained relatively steady since 2021, access to care continues to vary widely across states, leaving millions without adequate support.
National Rankings in Mental Health Care
The MHA report ranked U.S. states by residents’ mental well-being and the availability of mental health services.
- Top-performing states: New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey
- Lowest-ranking states: Alabama, Arizona, and Nevada
The findings highlight significant regional disparities in access to care and treatment outcomes.
Youth Mental Health: Signs of Improvement Amid Crisis
Although youth mental illness remains a major concern, there are small signs of progress.
- About 11% (2.8 million) young people ages 12–17 experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in 2024 that interfered with daily life.
- Rates of MDE dropped from 18% in 2023 to 15% in 2024, while suicidal thoughts among youth decreased from 12% to 10% during the same period.
- Still, nearly 3 million adolescents reported frequent suicidal thoughts last year.
Experts describe these numbers as both encouraging and alarming — evidence that while awareness and treatment have improved, the youth mental health crisis persists.
Barriers to Care
Access to mental health services remains one of the greatest challenges in the U.S.
- About 27% of adults reported being unable to get help for mental health issues due to cost.
- Nationwide, there is only one mental health professional for every 320 people.
- Among adults with substance misuse disorders, 77% did not receive treatment.
Even for insured Americans, barriers such as high copays, limited provider availability, and inconvenient appointment times contribute to unmet needs. Many therapists offer sessions only during business hours, making it difficult for working families to access consistent care.
Shortages of psychiatrists, therapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners — particularly in rural areas — compound the problem. Experts warn that cuts to Medicaid and other social programs may further restrict access to mental health services for vulnerable populations.
The Growing Demand for Support
Despite these barriers, mental health awareness is improving, and more people are seeking help than ever before.
Experts say the decline in stigma has led to greater willingness to discuss and treat mental illness. Integration of mental health care into schools and primary care practices has also made support more accessible, especially for children and families.
Efforts to emphasize preventive mental health care — rather than waiting for crises — are becoming more common, particularly within Medicaid programs.
Finding Help Wherever You Are
Regardless of where you live, several options exist to support mental well-being:
- Schools often provide counseling and psychological services for students.
- Primary care providers can serve as a first step for adults, offering assessments or referrals to specialists.
- Telehealth and sliding-scale clinics provide affordable options for those facing financial barriers.
- Peer support programs and graduate counseling centers may offer low-cost or free services.
Experts stress that mental health care is interconnected with other aspects of life — including housing, employment, education, and social support. Improving mental health outcomes, they say, requires not only treatment but also stronger investment in the broader determinants of well-being.
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