The numbers, with their context.
This page brings together recent federal estimates on adult mental health, treatment, and substance use care. Each figure links to its original source and includes the year it describes.
Last reviewed: . Data are updated when the underlying federal sources release newer comparable estimates.
23.12%
of U.S. adults had a mental illness in the past year.
That is the national annual average for 2023–2024, measured among adults age 18 and older.
Source: SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2023–20245.62%
of U.S. adults had a serious mental illness in the past year.
SAMHSA defines serious mental illness as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities.
Source: SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2023–202422.90%
of U.S. adults received mental health treatment in the past year.
This national estimate covers adults who received mental health treatment in 2024.
Source: SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 202414.0%
of U.S. adults received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional.
The CDC estimate reflects care received during the prior 12 months in 2024.
Source: CDC, National Health Interview Survey, 202481.18%
of people age 12 or older who needed substance use treatment did not receive it.
This is a national estimate for 2024. It describes an access gap, not an individual’s readiness or likelihood of benefiting from care.
Source: SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 202449,316
suicide deaths were recorded in the United States.
The age-adjusted U.S. suicide rate was 14.1 per 100,000 people in 2023.
Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, 2023How to use these figures.
These are national estimates, not diagnoses or predictions for any one person. The figures come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey and mortality data.
Definitions, age ranges, time periods, and survey methods differ by source. The context below each figure is included to keep those differences clear. For the underlying tables and methods, use the linked source beside the statistic.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or considering self-harm, call or text 988 in the United States for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for emergency help.
Cite this page
Wendy Molinaroli, Ph.D. “U.S. Adult Mental Health Statistics: 2023–2024.” Updated October 9, 2026. https://wendymolinaroli.com/mental-health-statistics.