Mental Health Statistics and Facts You Should Know

May 13, 2024
Fact Checked
About 59 million people in the United States live with a mental illness. Here are all the facts and stats you need to know about mental health and how to get treatment.
Written by: Lauren Evoy Davis
Medically reviewed by: Haley Stricker, LPC

Key Takeaways

Humans crave connection and relationships with one another. When we are not feeling our best emotionally or mentally, that hurts our ability to connect with others, and we can become isolated. One in five people living in the United States is reported to have a mental illness, which may affect the way they relate to others. [5] National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental health conditions. April 2023. Found on the internet at
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions

With the emerging field of online therapy, and recently expanded Medicare coverage for licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, options are growing for people who need mental health care. People may be hesitant to get help for a variety of reasons, according to Colleen Marshall, MA, LMFT, Vice President of Clinical Care at Two Chairs, but she sees change afoot.

Marshall said speaking openly about mental health, sharing stories, and normalizing mental health care as no different than physical health care can all help to encourage more people to seek treatment. “We can do that through more public information, better education in schools, having public figures talk openly about their mental illness, and ensuring that there is parity in coverage for mental health conditions,” she said. 

It’s important to seek a licensed therapist or psychiatrist who can diagnose your condition and get you the treatment you need. This guide outlines some of the most pressing conditions and vital statistics impacting mental health in the U.S., underscoring the causes and possible treatment options available. 

Mental health facts and statistics

Numerous factors, including genetics, traumatic life events or changes, and lifestyle like alcohol use and sleep, can cause mental health conditions. Mental illness can develop as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, among others. These conditions are more common than many people realize. One in 20 adults in the United States experiences a serious mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). [5] National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental health conditions. April 2023. Found on the internet at
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions

Anxiety statistics

Feeling nervous about an upcoming flight or joining a new social club is pretty common, but if these feelings are frequent and prevent you from engaging in your day-to-day activities, it might be an anxiety disorder. [6] National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders. Found on the internet at https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders  

Different categories of anxiety disorders include:

Anxiety manifests in emotional and physical ways, including:

More facts about anxiety: 

Depression statistics

Arguments with a spouse or partner, or losing a loved one, or being passed over for a promotion at work can evoke feelings of sadness, but if you’re experiencing a persistence of down feelings or a loss of interest in things you once loved, then your condition could be more serious. Depression is a mood disorder that can manifest in lingering, unshakeable feelings of despair that don’t have just a single cause. [9] National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. September 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

There are different types of depression:

More facts about depression:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is more severe than other types of depression, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). [11] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. What is depression? Found on the internet at https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression If you have at least five of the following symptoms, you may have MDD and should consult a health care provider:

We recommend seeing a doctor or psychiatrist for a diagnosis and potential treatment such as counseling, prescription medication, and exercise, among others, to reduce symptoms.

Aymee Coget, PhD, a wellness coach and host on the Sharewell peer-to-peer support platform, noted that the importance of recognizing the warning signs of depression is crucial .

“By integrating positive psychology into daily routines, individuals can proactively manage their mental well-being and cultivate a more fulfilling life,” Coget said. “Engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose, listening to positive music, practicing gratitude, spreading kindness towards others, and connecting with peers are essential steps in combating feelings of depression and loneliness.”

Bipolar disorder statistics

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by mania Abnormally elevated, extreme changes in your mood or emotions, energy level or activity level. followed by episodes of deep depression and feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes, these feelings occur at the same time, which is called an episode with mixed features. Once called manic depression, bipolar disorder affects approximately 8 million people in the United States. [12] Nierenberg A, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Review. Journal of the American Medical Association. Oct. 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2810502 Diagnosis and treatment are vitally important because approximately 15%–20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide. 

The National Institute of Mental Health defines three types of bipolar disorder: [13] National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder. February 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

More facts about bipolar disorder:

Schizophrenia statistics

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that affects how people feel and act. Schizophrenia can be disorienting and is often characterized by disordered thinking patterns and psychotic symptoms. [16] National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia People may lose their tether to reality, and their world experience may become distorted. For some people, these symptoms come and go, but for others, the symptoms become stable over time. 

Symptoms of schizophrenia include: [16] National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia

More facts about schizophrenia:

Suicide statistics

It may be uncomfortable to think about suicide, but it’s important to know how to find help for yourself or someone else in need. An estimated 49,449 people died by suicide in the United States in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [18] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provisional Suicide Deaths in the United States, 2022. Aug. 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/US-Suicide-Deaths-2022.html Older men continue to have the highest rates of suicide compared to other groups. [19] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide data and statistics. Nov. 29, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html

Here is the number of people in the United States who died by suicide in 2022, broken down by age: [18] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provisional Suicide Deaths in the United States, 2022. Aug. 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/US-Suicide-Deaths-2022.html

If you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others around them, it is an emergency, and you should seek help from one of these sources:

All the above options will connect you with trained professionals who can provide crisis support.

Mental health statistics by age

Mental health disorders are most common in younger people, affecting 36% of people ages 18–25, 29% of people ages 26–49, and about 14% of people age 50 and older. [1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2022 national survey on drug use and health. Found on the internet at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42728/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetTabsSect6pe2022.htm The loneliness epidemic is a major factor getting a lot of attention from the scientific community as a cause of depression.

In the past, many people lived in multi-generational homes, but this is less common now and has the unintended consequence of social isolation, which can lead to people feeling lonely or developing mental illness. [20] National Institute on Aging. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. April 23, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks  

People who are particularly at risk for loneliness include: [21] Dahler L, et al. A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Risk Factors for Loneliness in Older Adults. Aging & Mental Health. 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13607863.2021.1876638

Older adults can have anxiety and depression. It may be challenging to get a diagnosis for someone isolating or having memory issues, which makes staying consistent on a treatment plan difficult. Fortunately, researchers are studying these barriers, and organizations like NCOA are providing educational content to help people stay connected and get the care they need.

Mental health statistics by race and ethnicity

Mental illness rates differ in people from various races and ethnicities, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). [22] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Detailed Tables. January 4, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-detailed-tables Here is a breakdown of these rates:

Researchers are studying underserved racial or ethnic groups to highlight disparities and improve access to care. Although mental health services are available online and in person, not everyone has equal access to care. People from non-white racial and ethnic groups reported cost concerns or lack of insurance coverage as reasons for not pursuing care, according to data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). [23] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Racial/ethnic differences in mental health service use among adults. February 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/MHServicesUseAmongAdults/MHServicesUseAmongAdults.pdf

Despite often having better access to care, the number of white people who died by suicide in 2022 outnumbers all other races and ethnicities. Here are the rates of people in the United States who died by suicide in 2022 per 100,000, broken down by race and ethnicity, according to the CDC: [19] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide data and statistics. Nov. 29, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html

Mental health statistics in the LGBTQ+ community

Mental illness can develop in any person regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, but people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community face numerous and unique obstacles when it comes to receiving equal, fair access to mental health care. 

Nasser Mohamed, MD, is an international LGBTQ+ rights activist and founder of Osra Medical in San Francisco. Mohamed is originally from Qatar, where same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ+ people can face legal persecution for their identity. He eventually fled his country, seeking asylum in the United States after coming out publicly as gay. He sees deep disparities for LGBTQ+ people seeking mental health care. 

“Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges to accessing meaningful physical and mental health care,” he said. “There seem to be many factors impacting our ability to achieve better outcomes for the community. One key issue reported by different LGBTQ+ individuals is either discrimination in the health care setting or fear of discrimination.”

The Center of American Progress, working with the independent and nonpartisan research group NORC at the University of Chicago, surveyed 1,828 LGBTQ+ adults in the United States in 2022. [24] Medina C and Mahowald L. Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022. American Progress. Jan. 12, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/discrimination-and-barriers-to-well-being-the-state-of-the-lgbtqi-community-in-2022/

Here are some key findings from the survey: 

Age can also impact an LGBTQ+ person’s mental health. A recent study found an elevated risk of mental illness among older adults in the LGBTQ+ community compared to non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, attributing this disparity to lifetime exposure to stigma, discrimination, and major policy adversities. [25] Masa R, et al. Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Journal of Applied Gerontology. March 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10809733/

Mental health treatment statistics

As of 2020, 37 million people with mental illness or substance use disorder had private insurance coverage. [26] Kaiser Family Foundation. Demographics and health insurance coverage of nonelderly adults with mental illness and substance use disorders in 2020. June 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/demographics-and-health-insurance-coverage-of-nonelderly-adults-with-mental-illness-and-substance-use-disorders-in-2020 But in 2021, 26.5 million people received mental health services in the past year, suggesting not everyone who has insurance actually seeks help. [27] National Institute of Mental Health. Mental illness. March 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness  

People on Medicare are covered for mental health and substance use disorder services—both inpatient and outpatient—and Part D plans cover outpatient prescription medications. People withMedicare Advantage receive mental health and substance use benefits covered under traditional Medicare and most prescription drugs.


Andrew Huberman, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford School of Medicine, discusses mental health and wellness topics on his podcast, Huberman Lab

“Mood disorders and challenges with mental health abound,” Huberman said in the episode entitled Mental Health Toolkit. “What matters in terms of what modes to adopt is access, being able to afford them on a consistent basis, and also the severity of the mood or mental health disorder.”

There are many different treatments and therapies for mental health: talk therapy with a therapist or psychiatrist, prescription drug treatments, nutritional approaches, exercise, and more.

Online therapy can be less expensive than traditional in-person therapy since some online therapy platforms offer subscription-based pricing with weekly or monthly fees, according to the American Psychological Association. [28] American Psychological Association. What you need to know before choosing online therapy. 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.apa.org/topics/telehealth/online-therapy Both in-person and online therapy rates can vary by provider, insurance coverage, and location. With online therapy, you will pay somewhere between $15–$90 per session on average. In-person can cost anywhere from $100–$350 per session on average. [29] Brenner B. Therapy Group of DC. How much does online therapy cost? Average cost of therapy in DC. Oct. 12, 2021. Found on the internet at https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/how-much-does-therapy-cost-average-cost-of-therapy-in-dc/ Since many online therapy services do not accept Medicare coverage, it is important to ask about this coverage before signing up.

Bottom line

Mental illness and mood disorders can be extremely difficult to navigate, but it’s vital to gain an understanding of these conditions. Mental and mood disorders can develop in a person of any age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In fact, it’s estimated that 59 million people in the United States live with a mental illness. 

While seeking treatment may seem overwhelming, there is hope. With management, support, and coping strategies, easing symptoms is possible, and you can live a full, satisfying life. A solid support system of friends, family, and medical professionals is essential. We recommend seeking treatment with a caring, trustworthy provider, whether that treatment is via talk therapy, psychiatry, or a combined approach. 

Despite the increase in the availability of online therapy and new mental health providers who can now bill for Medicare payment, the number of people who need help far outweighs the number of licensed mental health professionals, and not everyone who needs care gets access due to cost and other barriers. Some online therapy and online psychiatry platforms offer discounts and financial aid for users, which can help bridge the gap in access to mental health care. If you’re feeling unwell, don’t wait—seek professional help immediately so you can receive a treatment plan and begin your recovery journey. 

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

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  3. Treatment Advocacy Center. Schizophrenia fact sheet. Found on the internet at https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/reports_publications/schizophrenia-fact-sheet/#:~:text=Schizophrenia%20is%20a%20chronic%20and,untreated%20in%20any%20given%20year
  4. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental health by the numbers. April 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
  5. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental health conditions. April 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions
  6. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders. Found on the internet at https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders
  7. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Selective mutism. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/selective-mutism/
  8. National Center for Health Statistics. Early release of selected estimates based on data from the 2022 national health interview survey. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/earlyrelease202304.pdf
  9. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. September 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older. Sept. 14, 2022. Found on the internet at: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/depression/index.html
  11. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. What is depression? Found on the internet at https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression
  12. Nierenberg A, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Review. Journal of the American Medical Association. Oct. 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2810502
  13. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder. February 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
  14. Yatham L, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorders: An International Journal of Psychiatry and Neurosciences. March 14, 2018. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bdi.12609
  15. Sajatovic M, Gyulai L, Calabrese JR, et al. Maintenance treatment outcomes in older patients with bipolar I disorder. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005;13:305–311.
  16. National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
  17. Jeste DV, Maglione JE. Treating older adults with schizophrenia: challenges and opportunities. Schizophr Bull. 2013 Sep;39(5):966-8. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/39/5/966/1926337?login=false
  18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provisional Suicide Deaths in the United States, 2022. Aug. 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/US-Suicide-Deaths-2022.html
  19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide data and statistics. Nov. 29, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html
  20. National Institute on Aging. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. April 23, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
  21. Dahler L, et al. A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Risk Factors for Loneliness in Older Adults. Aging & Mental Health. 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13607863.2021.1876638
  22. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Detailed Tables. January 4, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-detailed-tables
  23. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Racial/ethnic differences in mental health service use among adults. February 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/MHServicesUseAmongAdults/MHServicesUseAmongAdults.pdf
  24. Medina C and Mahowald L. Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022. American Progress. Jan. 12, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/discrimination-and-barriers-to-well-being-the-state-of-the-lgbtqi-community-in-2022/
  25. Masa R, et al. Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Journal of Applied Gerontology. March 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10809733/
  26. Kaiser Family Foundation. Demographics and health insurance coverage of nonelderly adults with mental illness and substance use disorders in 2020. June 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/demographics-and-health-insurance-coverage-of-nonelderly-adults-with-mental-illness-and-substance-use-disorders-in-2020
  27. National Institute of Mental Health. Mental illness. March 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
  28. American Psychological Association. What you need to know before choosing online therapy. 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.apa.org/topics/telehealth/online-therapy
  29. Brenner B. Therapy Group of DC. How much does online therapy cost? Average cost of therapy in DC. Oct. 12, 2021. Found on the internet at https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/how-much-does-therapy-cost-average-cost-of-therapy-in-dc/
Lauren Evoy Davis is a health journalist with expertise in cancer and other chronic conditions. Lauren holds an MA in Journalism from American University and a BA in English from Elon University. Her work has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Legacy, Health Central, WebMD, Verywell Health, Patient Power, and Verizon.
Haley Stricker is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in eating disorders, marriage and family counseling, women’s health, and trauma. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, GA.
Kathleen Cameron
Kathleen Cameron Reviewer
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
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