Many people in the United States experience mental health conditions, leading to questions about the patterns of mental health service utilization and the barriers to accessing these services. Prior research indicates an increase in mental health service utilization over time. This analysis examines data from 2019 to 2022 to understand the latest trends in mental health service utilization, focusing on differences by demographics and insurance status. Mental health care receipt is measured by the percentage of people reporting they received counseling and/or prescription medication for mental health concerns in the past year, based on KFF analyses of National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data among adults in the U.S. from 2019 to 2022. Click here for article.
Increased Utilization Over Time: The percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19% in 2019 to 23% in 2022. Both counseling and prescription medication usage increased during this period.
Demographic Differences: Young adults (ages 18-26) showed the highest increase in mental health treatment, with 26% receiving care in 2022, and the largest percentage increase from 2019 to 2022.
Gender Disparities: Women were nearly twice as likely as men to receive mental health treatment in 2022 (29% vs. 17%). Men are less likely to seek mental health care and more likely to be uninsured.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities: White adults had the highest rate of mental health treatment (28%) in 2022, while Asian adults had the lowest (9%). Barriers for minority groups include lack of culturally informed treatment options, stigma, and challenges finding providers who understand their background.
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