A new report finds nearly a quarter of U.S. adults — about 23%, or roughly 60 million people — experienced a mental illness in the past year. The State of Mental Health in America 2025 report from Mental Health America (MHA) shows overall adult mental health levels held steady from 2021 to 2024 and highlights wide variation in care and outcomes across states.
Key findings
– About 23% of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year.
– Youth mental health showed some improvement, but remains a crisis: 11% (about 2.8 million) of 12–17-year-olds had a major depressive episode (MDE) affecting functioning in 2024.
– Youth reporting MDE dropped from ~18% in 2023 to 15% in 2024; suicidal thoughts among youth fell from ~12% to 10% in that period.
– Nearly 3 million young people ages 12–17 reported frequent suicidal thoughts in 2024.
– New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey ranked highest for mental health and services; Alabama, Arizona, and Nevada ranked lowest.
– Around 27% of adults reported 14 or more days per month when they could not get mental health care due to cost.
– There is approximately one mental health professional for every 320 people in the U.S.
– In 2022–2023, about 1 in 4 adults with any mental illness reported unmet need for care; over 5 million people (~9% of the population) were uninsured.
What the report means
The persistence of high prevalence and unmet needs suggests the mental health system is not keeping up with demand. Reduced stigma and more willingness to seek help may have increased demand, while integration of services into schools and primary care has expanded access for some families. However, cost, insurance coverage differences, provider shortages (especially psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners), and time or scheduling barriers keep many from getting care.
Financial and policy pressures also matter. Cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other social safety net programs can limit access to services and worsen social determinants of mental health—factors like housing, food security, and family supports that affect brain development and behavioral health.
Practical ways to get help
– Schools: Many schools offer counseling or on-site psychiatric/psychological services for children and teens.
– Primary care: Start with your primary care provider for referrals or initial treatment.
– Low-cost options: Look for sliding-scale clinics, graduate training clinics, volunteer or pro bono services, and community mental health centers.
– Telehealth and integrated care: Telehealth, mental health services integrated into primary care, and peer support programs can reduce cost and scheduling barriers.
– Peer support and community resources: Peer programs and community supports can help when professional services are limited.
Broader approach
Effective mental health care requires attention beyond clinical services. Addressing employment, education, housing, and social supports is essential to improving population mental health and reducing unmet needs.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or having suicidal thoughts, contact emergency services or your local crisis line right away. For non-urgent help, reach out to a primary care provider, local mental health center, school counselor, or one of the low-cost options above.
