Wyoming Mental Health Statistics

Wyoming faces significant mental health challenges, with prevalence rates for several conditions exceeding national averages. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States is affected by a mental disorder annually^[7], and in Wyoming, the figures reflect a serious public health issue. The state's rural landscape, provider shortages, and unique demographic factors contribute to a complex environment where conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common.

Understanding the scope of these conditions is the first step toward addressing the state's mental health crisis. The following data highlights the prevalence of various mental illnesses among adults in Wyoming, providing a clear picture of the scale of need across the state.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated mental health challenges in Wyoming, mirroring national trends. During peak pandemic waves from 2020-2022, symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults in the state surged from a pre-pandemic estimate of 18% to over 25%^[9]. This increase was driven by factors such as social isolation, economic uncertainty, and academic disruptions, which disproportionately affected young adults and frontline workers^[10]. While rates have shown a modest decline since the peak, they remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic baselines^[11].

Wyoming's youth and young adults face particularly high rates of mental health challenges. Statewide screenings show that over 20% of youth experience mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety^[12]. The transition to college often exacerbates these issues, with students reporting high levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. These challenges can have a direct negative impact on academic performance, with 30% of students reporting that their mental health issues affected their GPA^[7].

Mental health conditions do not affect all populations in Wyoming equally. Significant disparities exist across racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic lines. These differences are often rooted in systemic factors, including socioeconomic status, access to culturally competent care, and historical trauma. For example, Native American populations face a disproportionately high prevalence of serious mental illness, while rural residents contend with higher rates of depression and suicide compared to their urban counterparts. Understanding these disparities is crucial for developing equitable and effective mental health interventions.

Beyond racial and ethnic lines, mental health prevalence and outcomes in Wyoming also differ by gender and geography. Women in the state report higher rates of depression compared to men, a trend consistent with national data. Furthermore, the state's vast rural areas present unique challenges, with residents experiencing higher rates of depression and suicide than those in urban centers. This urban-rural divide is a critical factor in understanding access to care and the social determinants of mental health in Wyoming.

Wyoming is home to approximately 85,000 veterans, a population that faces unique and significant mental health challenges^[20]. Conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders are prevalent. The veteran suicide rate in Wyoming is exceptionally high, standing at 84 per 100,000 veterans, a figure dramatically higher than the civilian rate^[20]. Addressing the needs of this community requires specialized care that acknowledges the impact of military service.

Access to mental healthcare is one of the most pressing issues in Wyoming. The state is designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), reflecting a severe lack of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counselors^[6]. This shortage is felt most acutely in rural areas, where residents often face long travel times and limited options for care. Even for those with insurance, barriers like high denial rates for mental health claims and prior authorization requirements create significant hurdles to receiving timely and effective treatment.

The provider shortage creates tangible barriers for Wyoming residents seeking help. A 2022 report found that 12 out of 23 predominantly rural counties lack any mental health provider at all^[21]. Consequently, rural residents must travel an average of 45 miles to the nearest provider, compared to just 5 miles for urban residents^[21]. These challenges contribute to long wait times and a significant treatment gap across the state.

For individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, inpatient and emergency services are vital. However, Wyoming's capacity for these services is strained. The state has fewer psychiatric beds per capita than the national average, and a critical shortage of specialized beds for children and adolescents^[13]. This lack of capacity leads to long wait times in emergency departments, a practice known as 'boarding,' which can worsen a patient's condition.

Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for developing mental health and substance use disorders later in life. In Wyoming, a notable portion of the adult population has been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Approximately 28% of adults in the state report at least one ACE, with 12% reporting four or more^[24]. This high prevalence of early adversity contributes to the state's rates of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.

The impact of mental illness in Wyoming extends far beyond individual health, creating a significant economic burden on the state. These costs include direct healthcare expenditures as well as indirect costs like lost productivity, disability claims, and increased strain on the criminal justice system. For example, lost productivity alone accounts for roughly $750 million of the total burden^[6]. Investing in mental healthcare is not just a health imperative but an economic one, as studies suggest that every dollar invested in treatment can yield a return of four dollars in benefits^[9].

In response to its mental health crisis, Wyoming's legislature has taken steps to improve the system of care. Recent legislative actions aim to expand treatment options, improve insurance parity, and provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental illness. Senate File 0160, passed in 2025, expands Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs and provides the legal framework for establishing mental health courts^[28]. Additionally, House Bill 0180 enhances telehealth parity provisions, mandating that insurance coverage for virtual mental healthcare visits be on par with in-person sessions^[29]. These initiatives represent important progress, though advocates note that continued investment and oversight are needed to ensure their effectiveness.