Mental Health America's (MHA) 2024 State of Mental Health in America report provides a comprehensive analysis of mental health and substance use trends across the United States. Utilizing data from 2022, the report ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 15 mental health prevalence and access measures for both youth and adults.

Key Findings

• Prevalence of Mental Illness: Approximately 50 million adults (20.78%) experienced a mental illness in the past year.
• Youth Mental Health: One in five young people aged 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
• Substance Use Disorders: Over 15% of adults had a substance use disorder in the past year, with 93.5% not receiving any form of treatment.
• Access to Care: More than half (54.7%) of adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment.
• State Rankings
• According to the report, states are ranked based on the prevalence of mental illness and access to care. States with lower prevalence and higher access to care rank higher, while those with higher prevalence and lower access rank lower. Mental Health America
• Policy Implications for NATSAP
• The findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to address mental health and substance use challenges, particularly among youth. NATSAP, as an organization dedicated to promoting effective treatment for adolescents and young adults, can advocate for the following:
• Enhanced Access to Care: Advocate for policies that increase affordability and availability of mental health services, especially in underserved areas.Mental Health America
• Workforce Development: Support initiatives aimed at expanding the mental health workforce to address provider shortages.
• Early Intervention Programs: Promote the implementation of early screening and intervention programs in schools and communities.
• Integrated Care Models: Encourage the adoption of integrated care models that combine mental health services with primary care.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Support campaigns that destigmatize mental health issues and promote help-seeking behaviors among youth.

By addressing these areas, NATSAP can play a pivotal role in improving mental health outcomes for adolescents and young adults across the nation.

https://mhanational.org/the-state-of-mental-health-in-america/