10 Surprising Mental Health And Counseling Statistics On Health Conditions And Treatment
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being that enables the public to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”.
The ability to receive emotional and physical health care, find the resources you need, and connect with those who can support you through challenges may all be essential for strong mental health. Counseling and therapy might also be useful resources for navigating stress and finding healthy, sustainable ways to care for your well-being. This article will explore 10 counseling and mental health statistics as well as the use of therapy as a potentially valuable mental health resource.
10 mental health and counseling statistics that may surprise you, including insights on mental illness
- As of 2021, an estimated 57.8 million adults in the United States were living with a mental health condition.
This includes mental health conditions diagnosable either at the time or within the past year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a mental illness in this context can have a mild, moderate, or severe impact.
Of those 57.8 million adults, an estimated 14.1 million experienced serious mental illnesses. The National Institute of Mental Health defines a serious mental illness as “a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities”.
Among those with mental health conditions, an estimated 26.5 million adults received mental health services in 2021—more of whom were women than men. The National Institute of Mental Health defines “mental health serviecs” as including inpatient or outpatient treatment or counseling as well as prescription medication for the treatment of mental health conditions.
Among adults living with mental health conditions in the U.S., 54.7% do not receive mental health treatment. Untreated mental illness makes up more than half of the instances of mental illness in the U.S., according to details gathered by the nonprofit Mental Health America.
At least one in four older adults experiences a form of mental illness. Those who are part of an older age group may also be vulnerable to mental health concerns. According to the United Nations’ Pan American Health Organization, at least one in four seniors and older adults experiences some form of mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or dementia (i.e., impairment of thinking, memory, and decision-making).
Mental illness is statistically more likely than cancer. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that more than 80 percent of people will develop a diagnosable mental illness at some point in their lives. This makes a mental health diagnosis more likely than a diagnosis of cancer, which has a likelihood of around 50 percent, according to the NHS.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions in the world. The World Health Organization reports that as of 2019, more than 300 million people were living with some form of anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental illness. Meanwhile, 280 million people were living with depression.
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in depression and anxiety disorders. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people living with depressive disorders and anxiety increased by 28% and 26%, respectively, between 2019 and 2020, which has been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the cost of health treatment deterred more than one in five adults who experienced 14 or more days of low mental health from seeing a doctor. According to the nonprofit Mental Health America, 22.87% of adults who experienced at least 14 mentally unhealthy days each month were unable to see a doctor due to costs.
Around 75% of people who receive therapy benefit from it in some way. According to the American Psychological Association, about three-quarters of those who attend psychotherapy benefit from it, while the average person who receives therapy is better off after treatment than 80% of those who don’t.
Supporting your mental health with therapy, treatment, and insights from mental health and counseling statistics
The above statistics may provide a glimpse into mental health-related topics and issues at a population level. However, you may be curious as to how these issues affect individuals like yourself.
Exploring therapy as a flexible strategy for improving mental health
A variety of strategies may be useful for those interested in working to strengthen their mental health, ranging from practicing self-care to maintaining healthy social relationships. Therapy is another such strategy. It is aimed at helping individuals explore their thoughts and emotions and develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges in a healthy, constructive way. A variety of types of therapy exist. Some are designed for treating specific mental health conditions, and others are usable in more general contexts. The wide range of treatment options and modalities available may make therapy a flexible way of getting mental health care, guidance, and advice.
The benefits of online therapy for managing mental health conditions and substance abuse
Traditional talk therapy may not always be convenient, especially for people living in nonmetropolitan areas. For those with busy schedules or mental health conditions that can make it difficult to leave the house (such as anxiety and depression), commuting in-person to a therapist’s office can be challenging. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may offer a potential alternative. With remote therapy, you can attend sessions from wherever it is most convenient. Those in need of additional mental health support may also find that the ability to message health professionals at any time makes this an appealing alternative to in-person therapy. Some individuals may also seek online therapy for co-occurring concerns such as substance abuse, which may be addressed alongside other mental health conditions.
Effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health conditions
The benefits of online therapy have been demonstrated in a variety of scientific studies. One such study found internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective at treating various mental health conditions, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and more.
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Takeaway
What percentage is affected by mental health?
More than one in five adults may experience and be affected by a mental health condition in a year. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH series) indicate significant differences in the percentage of affected individuals when compared by age, race, and ethnicity. These behavioral health statistics reveal that many people, including Hispanic adults, black adults, and white adults, are struggling with mental health conditions. It shows that many individuals are struggling with their mental health conditions. These mental disorders may range from mild to more severe disorders. Understanding this can help reduce stigma, and seeking professional guidance may help individuals get the right treatment to improve their overall well-being.
What is the biggest barrier to mental health treatment?
One of the biggest barriers is the cost of care and the lack of free resources and connections to mental health services. Some individuals may not want to continue with their sessions because of the stigma and the fear of being judged by others. Some are clueless on how and where to begin the treatment process. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these limitations are more common in small metropolitan areas compared to large metropolitan areas. Fortunately, many online therapy platforms today allow individuals to seek help. It is more convenient and cost-effective, especially when you have health insurance that covers it.
What are the success rates of counseling?
According to data from an HHS publication, up to 75% of individuals who attend their counseling sessions show great improvements in their mental health condition. Choosing the right mental health treatment—whether counseling, medication, or a combination of both—can significantly impact results. Counseling may help individuals cope with their emotions, improve behavior, and support overall mental well-being.
Why is counselling not for everyone?
Counseling may not be the best approach for every individual. Some people may prefer other treatments and techniques, such as medication, group support, or following some self-guided strategies. On the other hand, it could also be related to individuals’ personal beliefs about the counseling approach, their comfort level, or their current age and life stage. Additionally, some individuals may not yet be ready to face their struggles. These factors, along with how a condition is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or interpreted from the statistical manual, can all affect the experience of an individual.
How does counseling affect mental health and treatment outcomes?
Counseling with licensed mental health professionals supports emotional healing and helps individuals manage their health conditions. According to results calculated from various studies, counseling may reduce symptoms, enhance coping skills, and improve relationships. When compared to treatment with only medication, counseling demonstrates more robust outcomes, providing sustained improvements through regular sessions.
What are mental health and counseling statistics in youth?
One in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental health condition globally, yet many of them do not typically receive proper support and guidance for treatment. About 20% of the adolescents only in the U.S. reported receiving counseling and mental health treatment. Additionally, approximately 14% rely primarily on medication. The prevalence of these conditions highlights significant concerns within this population.
What is mental health awareness and its link to mental illness?
Mental health awareness involves understanding and educating others about mental health. It encourages individuals to seek support from licensed mental health professionals when they experience emotional difficulties. Increased awareness can lead to an earlier diagnostic process and more timely mental health treatment. This can improve outcomes for those living with a mental illness compared to those who remain undiagnosed or untreated.
Why do people not seek mental health and substance abuse support?
Many people today avoid seeking help from mental health professionals due to high treatment costs, limited connections, or fear of judgment. In metropolitan areas, significant differences in care are often linked to race, age, ethnicity, and sex. Additionally, fear, stigma, and uncertainty about how to begin the treatment process further discourage people, especially those dealing with substance misuse.
Who needs counseling the most?
Counseling can benefit anyone facing mental health challenges and issues. Someone experiencing emotional stress or life challenges can benefit from counseling. Individuals going through trauma, traumatic events, grief, or marital problems may need extra guidance and professional support. Counseling is not limited to those individuals who are facing difficulties or are in crisis. It can also be a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth, as it provides quality guidance to manage life more effectively.
What percentage of people receive counseling services?
About 20% of adults living in the U.S. receive professional support from a mental health professional or therapist, such as counseling and therapy, each year. The percentage varies depending on factors such as income, age, race, and geographical location, particularly in metropolitan areas. More and more individuals are turning to counseling as mental health awareness increases. It is becoming a more accepted and common part of their healthcare system and plans. As mental health awareness grows, counseling is becoming more accepted and available to diverse groups, including both white adults and those of Hispanic origin.
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