This figure represents nearly one in four individuals, highlighting the widespread nature of mental health conditions in the civilian population.
Key Takeaways
- More than one-fifth of U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness each year, making it a common health condition across the nation1 in 5
- A significant treatment gap exists, with only about half (50.6%) of adults with any mental illness receiving professional care in the past year50.6%
- On average, there is an 11-year delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and the start of treatment, which can worsen outcomes and complicate recovery11 Years
- Racial and ethnic minorities face significant disparities, with treatment utilization rates as low as 32-44% among non-Hispanic Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations
- Co-occurring substance use disorders are common, affecting about 34.5% of adults with mental illness, yet integrated treatment for both conditions is rare34.5%
- The economic toll is substantial, with serious mental illness alone costing the U.S. economy an estimated $193.2 billion in lost earnings annually$193.2B
- Protective factors like robust social support systems and community engagement can reduce an individual's likelihood of experiencing a severe mental health crisis by approximately 30%
Prevalence of Mental Illness in the Non-Veteran Population
Mental illness is a significant public health issue in the United States, affecting millions of non-veteran adults annually. Understanding the prevalence of these conditions is the first step toward addressing the need for accessible and effective care. Data shows that almost half of the U.S. population will experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime[1]. The following statistics provide a snapshot of how common various mental health conditions are among the civilian population.
Any Mental Illness (AMI) vs. Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
The most prevalent category of mental health conditions among U.S. adults annually<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="2024" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2024. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
Affects a significant portion of the non-veteran population each year<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalillnes" data-source="National Institute of Mental Health" data-year="" data-url="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness" data-ama="Mental Illness - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - NIH. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness"></sup>
Represents conditions that severely disrupt daily functioning for nearly 1 in 20 adults<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-fastfmentalh" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Fast F. Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
While often associated with military service, PTSD affects millions of non-veteran adults<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="2023" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2023. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
The annual prevalence of bipolar disorder within the U.S. adult population<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalillnes" data-source="National Institute of Mental Health" data-year="" data-url="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness" data-ama="Mental Illness - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - NIH. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness"></sup>
A majority of non-veteran adults report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalillnes" data-source="National Institute of Mental Health" data-year="2022" data-url="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness" data-ama="Mental Illness - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - NIH. National Institute of Mental Health. Published 2022. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness"></sup>
Demographic Disparities in Mental Health
Mental illness does not affect all populations equally. Significant disparities exist across gender, age, and racial or ethnic groups, influencing both the prevalence of mental health conditions and access to care. Examining these differences is crucial for developing equitable mental health policies and culturally competent interventions that address the unique needs of diverse communities.
Disparities by Gender
Disparities by Age
Age is a critical factor in the prevalence of mental illness, with young adults consistently showing the highest rates. This period of life is often marked by significant transitions in education, career, and personal life, which can contribute to increased stress. Alarmingly, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14[2], highlighting the urgent need for early detection and intervention, particularly for youth and young adults.
Disparities by Race and Ethnicity
Profound disparities in mental health also exist across racial and ethnic lines. While overall prevalence rates vary, the most significant gaps are seen in access to and utilization of mental health services. These disparities are often rooted in systemic barriers, including cultural stigma, lack of culturally competent providers, and mistrust in the healthcare system. For example, adults reporting two or more races experience the highest rates of AMI at 35.2%[4], yet they often face compounded barriers to receiving adequate care.
Treatment Utilization by Race and Ethnicity
The Treatment Gap: Barriers to Accessing Care
Despite the high prevalence of mental illness, a large portion of the non-veteran population does not receive necessary care. This treatment gap is caused by a complex web of structural, financial, and personal barriers. Issues like provider shortages, inadequate insurance, and the high cost of care prevent millions from getting help. Even among those with insurance, nearly one-third cannot obtain treatment due to provider shortages or inaccurate network directories, often called “phantom networks”[1]. The expansion of telehealth has helped, particularly in rural areas, but the digital divide remains a significant barrier for many[5].
Key Barriers to Care
While higher than for AMI, nearly 30% of those with the most severe conditions still do not receive care<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" data-year="2019" data-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db444.htm" data-ama="Mental Health Treatment Among Adults Aged 18–44 - CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 2019. Accessed January 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db444.htm"></sup>
Nearly one in ten adults with a mental illness lacks any health insurance coverage<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalillnes" data-source="National Institute of Mental Health" data-year="" data-url="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness" data-ama="Mental Illness - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - NIH. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness"></sup>
In many states, there is only one mental health provider for every 350 individuals, indicating a severe workforce shortage<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-exploringbar" data-source="Aamc" data-year="" data-url="https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/health-care/exploring-barriers-mental-health-care-us" data-ama="Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S. | AAMC. Aamc. Accessed January 2026. https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/health-care/exploring-barriers-mental-health-care-us"></sup>
A significant portion of adults worry about their ability to pay for medical care if they become sick, a major deterrent to seeking help<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-barrierstohe" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8214217/" data-ama="Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health .... PubMed Central. PMC8214217. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8214217/"></sup>
The Challenge of Co-Occurring Disorders
The complexity of mental healthcare is often compounded by co-occurring disorders (COD), where an individual has both a mental health and a substance use disorder. This overlap can exacerbate symptoms, complicate treatment, and lead to poorer health outcomes. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is often fragmented, with mental health and substance use services operating in separate silos. This lack of integrated care creates a significant barrier for individuals needing comprehensive treatment for both conditions.
Co-Occurring Disorder (COD)
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
The Treatment Gap for Co-Occurring Disorders
More than half of individuals with a severe mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorder receive no treatment for either condition<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="2024" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2024. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
An alarmingly small percentage of individuals with severe co-occurring disorders receive the integrated care they need<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="2024" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2024. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
Racial/ethnic minorities, adolescents, and those with low socioeconomic status are at particularly high risk for under-detection of co-occurring disorders<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-prevalenceof" data-source="JAMA Network" data-year="" data-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2817602" data-ama="Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Individuals .... JAMA Network. Accessed January 2026. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2817602"></sup>
The Pervasive Impact of Stigma
Beyond structural and financial hurdles, stigma remains one of the most persistent barriers to mental healthcare. Internalized stigma—feelings of shame and self-blame—and public stigma—discrimination and negative stereotypes from others—can prevent individuals from seeking help, disclosing their struggles, and adhering to treatment. For non-veterans, who may lack the specific support networks available to former service members, the effects of stigma can be particularly isolating and detrimental to recovery.
Stigma by the Numbers
Of non-veterans with major depressive disorder reported that internalized stigma was severe enough to deter them from seeking care<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="Brainsway" data-year="" data-url="https://www.brainsway.com/knowledge-center/mental-health-stigmas/" data-ama="Mental Health Stigma: Statistics, Causes, and Effects - BrainsWay. Brainsway. Accessed January 2026. https://www.brainsway.com/knowledge-center/mental-health-stigmas/"></sup>
Individuals who report stigmatizing encounters have 35% lower odds of engaging in mental health treatment within a year of diagnosis<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-whatistheimp" data-source="Cambridge" data-year="" data-url="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/what-is-the-impact-of-mental-healthrelated-stigma-on-helpseeking-a-systematic-review-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-studies/E3FD6B42EE9815C4E26A6B84ED7BD3AE" data-ama="What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking .... Cambridge. Accessed January 2026. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/what-is-the-impact-of-mental-healthrelated-stigma-on-helpseeking-a-systematic-review-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-studies/E3FD6B42EE9815C4E26A6B84ED7BD3AE"></sup>
A significant portion of non-veterans still hold beliefs that contribute to public and self-stigma, hindering open conversation and help-seeking<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-heterogeneit" data-source="Springer" data-year="" data-url="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10488-023-01289-4" data-ama="Heterogeneity in Unmet Treatment Need and Barriers to Accessing .... Springer. doi:10.1007/s10488-023-01289-4. Accessed January 2026. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10488-023-01289-4"></sup>
Non-veterans with mental health conditions reported facing negative behaviors in educational, employment, and social settings<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817780/" data-ama="Mental Health Challenges and Barriers to Veterans' Adjustment to .... PubMed Central. PMC11817780. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817780/"></sup>
Socioeconomic Factors: Homelessness, Employment, and Economic Burden
Mental health is deeply intertwined with socioeconomic stability. Factors like housing, employment, and financial security can significantly impact mental well-being, while untreated mental illness can, in turn, create and exacerbate socioeconomic challenges. This creates a difficult cycle where housing instability worsens mental health, and poor mental health makes it harder to maintain stable housing and employment.
The connection between mental illness and homelessness is stark. Over a recent decade, the incidence of homelessness among non-veterans with mental health diagnoses increased by an absolute 5%, a rate outpacing the general population[6]. This trend highlights a critical failure in supportive systems, as stable housing is a foundational element of mental health recovery.
Homelessness and Mental Health
A 2020 analysis found nearly one in five urban non-veterans with a diagnosed mental illness were experiencing homelessness<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-trendsinhome" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071430/" data-ama="Trends in Homelessness and Social Sustainability: Veterans vs. Non .... PubMed Central. PMC12071430. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071430/"></sup>
Only 40% of non-veterans with mental health conditions and housing instability reported having access to stable, supportive housing programs<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-abouthomeles" data-source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" data-year="" data-url="https://www.cdc.gov/homelessness-and-health/about/index.html" data-ama="About Homelessness and Health - CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed January 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/homelessness-and-health/about/index.html"></sup>
Homeless non-veterans show higher frequencies of alcohol or substance use disorders compared to their veteran counterparts<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-trendsinhome" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071430/" data-ama="Trends in Homelessness and Social Sustainability: Veterans vs. Non .... PubMed Central. PMC12071430. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071430/"></sup>
Impact on Employment
Mental health conditions can significantly affect an individual's ability to obtain and maintain employment. This leads to higher rates of unemployment and lower labor force participation, contributing to financial instability. The disparity in employment outcomes underscores the need for better workplace accommodations and anti-discrimination protections for individuals with mental illness.
Unemployment Rate: Mental Health vs. General Population
The Economic Burden of Mental Illness
The impact of mental illness extends beyond personal suffering to create a significant economic burden on society. This burden includes direct costs from healthcare spending as well as indirect costs from lost productivity, unemployment, disability benefits, and informal caregiving. For PTSD alone, the civilian population accounts for the vast majority of the total economic cost in the United States.
Economic Costs Associated with PTSD in Non-Veterans
This represents 81.6% of the total PTSD economic burden in the U.S., attributed to the civilian population<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-theeconomicb" data-source="Psychiatrist" data-year="" data-url="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/" data-ama="The Economic Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United .... Psychiatrist. Accessed January 2026. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/"></sup>
The average excess cost incurred annually for each non-veteran with PTSD<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-theeconomicb" data-source="Psychiatrist" data-year="2026" data-url="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/" data-ama="The Economic Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United .... Psychiatrist. Accessed January 2026. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/"></sup>
Combined annual costs from absenteeism, presenteeism, and unemployment due to PTSD in non-veterans<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-theeconomicb" data-source="Psychiatrist" data-year="" data-url="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/" data-ama="The Economic Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United .... Psychiatrist. Accessed January 2026. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/"></sup>
Approximately 85.9% of all disability benefits for PTSD are drawn from the civilian sector<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-theeconomicb" data-source="Psychiatrist" data-year="2026" data-url="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/" data-ama="The Economic Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United .... Psychiatrist. Accessed January 2026. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/economic-burden-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-united-states-societal-perspective/"></sup>
Caregiver Statistics
A pooled analysis estimated that nearly one-third of caregivers for individuals with mental illness experience a significant burden<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-caregiverbur" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9777672/" data-ama="Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Patients with Mental Illness. PubMed Central. PMC9777672. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9777672/"></sup>
A substantial percentage of caregivers report symptoms of depression or clinical burnout, which can impair their ability to provide care<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-factorsassoc" data-source="Hsrd" data-year="" data-url="https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/research/citations/pubbriefs/articles.cfm?RecordID=784" data-ama="Factors Associated with VA and Non-VA Mental Health Service Use .... Hsrd. Accessed January 2026. https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/research/citations/pubbriefs/articles.cfm?RecordID=784"></sup>
Caregivers whose recipients are treated in hospitals experience the highest levels of burden compared to community or clinic settings<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-caregiverbur" data-source="PubMed Central" data-year="" data-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9777672/" data-ama="Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Patients with Mental Illness. PubMed Central. PMC9777672. Accessed January 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9777672/"></sup>
Treatment Outcomes and Protective Factors
Despite the many challenges, effective treatments and protective factors can lead to positive outcomes and recovery. Evidence-based treatments, including combinations of medication and psychotherapy, can lead to significant symptom reduction and remission for many individuals. Furthermore, research consistently shows that social and community support are powerful protective factors. Individuals with strong interpersonal relationships and community engagement experience fewer adverse mental health outcomes and are more resilient in the face of crisis[1].
Positive Outcomes from Intervention
Well-structured treatment packages combining medication and psychotherapy achieve remission for a significant portion of patients with MDD<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="National Alliance on Mental Illness" data-year="" data-url="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/" data-ama="Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/"></sup>
Roughly 40% of patients receiving evidence-based treatments for anxiety experience remission or marked symptom improvement<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-pdf2023state" data-source="Mhanational" data-year="2024" data-url="https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf" data-ama="[PDF] 2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf. Mhanational. Published 2024. Accessed January 2026. https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf"></sup>
Individuals who received mental health treatment showed a 25% relative improvement in employment stability compared to those who did not<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-chronicphysi" data-source="Ajpmfocus" data-year="" data-url="https://www.ajpmfocus.org/article/S2773-0654(24)00060-9/fulltext" data-ama="Chronic Physical and Mental Health Conditions Associated With .... Ajpmfocus. Accessed January 2026. https://www.ajpmfocus.org/article/S2773-0654(24)00060-9/fulltext"></sup>
System-level interventions, such as integrating mental health services into primary care, can improve treatment engagement by up to 20%<sup class="citation-ref" data-citation-hash="cite-mentalhealth" data-source="Thezebra" data-year="" data-url="https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/mental-health-statistics/" data-ama="Mental Health Statistics in 2025 | The Zebra. Thezebra. Accessed January 2026. https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/mental-health-statistics/"></sup>
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
All statistics and claims on this page are supported by peer-reviewed research and official government data sources.