Skip to main content

State of Mental Health in America Past Reports

State of Mental Health in America 2019

Mental Health America's annual State of Mental Health in America report identifies a common set of data indicators for mental health that gives a more complete picture of mental health status in America. The report provides data on prevalence rates of mental health problems and access to care for youth and adults.

Download the report to learn more.


Addressing Trauma In Youth

Our 2019 spotlight provides a deep dive into youth trauma from the 2019 State of Mental Health in America report.  The spotlight provides insight into challenges faced by youth.


State of Mental Health in America 2018

In our 2018 report, the data revealed that youth mental health was worsening. Rates of youth with severe depression increased from 5.9% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2015. Even with severe depression, 76% of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment. Fortunately, more Americans have access to services. Access to insurance and treatment increased, as healthcare reform reduced the rates of uninsured adults. The greatest decrease in the rate of uninsured Adults with mental illnesses was seen in states that expanded Medicaid.

Visit the web-based report or download the report to learn more.


Online Depression Data

Our 2018 spotlight provides a deep dive into depression data from MHA Screening.  The spotlight provides additional insight into challenges faced by youth who turn to the internet seeking assistance for the first time.


State of Mental Health in America 2017

In our 2017 report, we saw serious gains in access to insurance and access to treatment. It appeared the benefits of the Affordable Care Act were impacting our community positively.  Among states that did expand Medicaid, only 13% of adults with a mental illness remained uninsured.  In states that did not expand Medicaid, 19% were uninsured.

Visit the web-based report or download the report to learn more.


State of Mental Health in America 2016

A few key findings from our 2016 report include: Southern states have the lowest prevalence of addiction – around 7.5 percent.  States in the Mountain West region have the highest prevalence of addiction – around 10.0 percent. Children with the least access to mental health insurance coverage are 3.5 times less likely to have coverage compared to those that live in states with the most coverage. In Hawaii (20 percent), children are 10 times more likely to be uninsured compared to children in Connecticut (2 percent).

 The 2016 spotlight focused on challenges and opportunities in Prevention and Early Intervention. 

 Download the report to learn more.


State of Mental Health in America 2015

Our first State of Mental Health in America report set the stage for exploring issues related to insurance coverage and access to care. The report established MHA's goal to provide a snapshot of the current prevalence of mental health conditions and a baseline for implementation of state and federal legislation on mental health parity. A few key findings from the report include:

  • Medicaid Expansion. All states should expand Medicaid if they are serious about meeting the needs of people with serious mental health concerns.
    The Medicaid coverage gap (the “Medicaid Gap”) continues to leave a large number of people with behavioral health needs uninsured and untreated.
    States should expand Medicaid in a manner that results in access to care for people with behavioral health needs. Due to the failure of many states to
    expand Medicaid, an estimated 3.5 million adults with mental illness or substance use remain uninsured and are currently part of the “Medicaid Gap.”
  • Access to Care. All people should have access to the care they need, including the full range of medications and other therapeutic options (including
    but not limited to talk therapy, peer supports, work therapy, housing, and educational supports). MHA believes that long-term services and supports
    are best provided in the community where people can maintain relationships that help them thrive. Hospital beds are important when needs are
    acute. Jails are never a good – or the right – place for recovery. One out of five adults reports he/she did not receive needed mental health services.
    Additionally, two out of five children did not receive needed mental health services.

The 2015 spotlight focused on insurance coverage for individuals with a mental illness.

Download the report to learn more.