Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website for more resources.
A recent report has ranked US states based on their mental well-being and the accessibility of mental health care services. According to the 2025 State of Mental Health in America report, released by Mental Health America (MHA), New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey have emerged as the top-performing states in terms of mental health support and outcomes.
The report evaluates the performance of all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 17 critical measures that focus on mental health in 2022 and 2023. These measures primarily concern both adults and youth who faced challenges such as mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or substance use disorders over the past year. It also assesses the percentage of individuals who did not receive necessary treatment due to lack of insurance or affordability, as well as the availability of qualified mental health providers.
Unfortunately, Nevada received the lowest rating, followed closely by Arizona and Alabama. This continues a troubling trend, as both Nevada and Arizona have ranked at the bottom in previous assessments, highlighting a critical need for strategic investments in mental health services in these states.
“We must remember that behind every data point is a real person deserving access to timely, quality, and affordable mental health care,” stated Mary Giliberti, interim president and CEO of MHA, during a recent news briefing. “These statistics represent stories, and through sharing this data, we aim to raise awareness and drive action on mental health issues.”
The report reveals a persistent mental health crisis across the nation, with approximately 23% of adults in the United States experiencing mental health challenges in 2024. Alarmingly, 25% of those adults reported unmet needs for treatment, and around 77% of adults with substance use disorders did not receive the help they required. Furthermore, nearly 9% of adults with mental illness were uninsured, underscoring the inadequacies of the current mental health care system.
“For every mental health provider in the United States, there are approximately 320 individuals needing care,” highlighted Maddy Reinert, the report's lead author and senior director of population health at MHA. This disparity emphasizes the urgent need for more mental health professionals to address the growing demand.
While there has been some improvement in the rates of depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts among youth aged 12 to 17, the report still found that nearly 3 million youths reported serious suicidal thoughts in 2024. Additionally, about 28% of youth did not have preventive health care appointments in 2022 or 2023, representing missed opportunities for early intervention.
“The data shows that the demand for mental health care is high, yet access remains insufficient for far too many individuals,” Reinert noted.
The report also identified significant regional disparities in access to mental health services. For example, around 20% of adults in states like Tennessee, Mississippi, and Texas were uninsured, while only 4% of adults in Vermont and Maryland faced the same issue. Additionally, approximately 40% of adults in Wisconsin, Utah, and Wyoming reported not receiving the care they needed, compared to just 13% in Maine and 16% in Arkansas.
The data for this report were compiled from various reputable sources, including the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Marketa M. Wills, CEO and medical director of the American Psychiatric Association, emphasized the ongoing challenges in accessing mental health care, stating, “It is unacceptable that access to mental health care remains an issue, even more than 15 years after the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed.” Dr. Wills urged policymakers to implement effective solutions such as telehealth and integrated care to expand access to essential services.
Over the years, skepticism around the effectiveness of policy changes has hindered mental health improvements. However, this report provides evidence to the contrary. For instance, after expanding Medicaid in 2019, Maine and Virginia significantly improved their rankings, with Maine climbing to 10th place and Virginia to 23rd.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has prioritized mental health since taking office, securing nearly $2 billion to enhance the state's mental health services continuum. This funding has led to increased inpatient capacity, expanded outpatient programs, and the creation of specialized housing units.
The MHA report serves as a crucial reminder of the need for continued advocacy and investment in mental health care. Reinert encourages individuals to engage with public health officials and state legislators to advocate for necessary changes in their communities. For those struggling with mental health, the MHA website offers mental health screenings and resources to access support.
To find treatment for substance use issues, individuals can utilize the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s treatment locator, or search for psychologists using the American Psychological Association’s locator tool.
