The Mental Health Care Gap: Why Millions Go Untreated

In 2024, nearly 60 million U.S. adults, or about 23% of the population, experienced a mental illness, according to Mental Health America and federal sources, including the CDC. Despite growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, only half of those affected received treatment. Significant barriers continue to hinder access to care, highlighting the need for meaningful solutions.

• Financial Barriers

  Cost is one of the most significant hurdles. Many Americans, even those with insurance, face high out-of-pocket expenses for therapy or medication. In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 adults with frequent mental distress reported being unable to afford a doctor’s visit.

  
  

• Provider Shortages

  A shortage of qualified mental health professionals continues to persist in the U.S. healthcare system. This shortage is particularly severe in rural areas, where access to care is limited by distance, fewer providers, and fewer resources.

  
  

• Stigma

  Although stigma around mental health has decreased over the years, it remains a barrier, particularly among men and older adults. Many people fear judgment or discrimination if they admit to struggling with mental health issues or seeking therapy.

  
  

• Workplace Constraints

  Limited time off and fear of workplace discrimination deter individuals from seeking care. Hourly workers often cannot afford to miss work for appointments, while employees in high-stress environments may worry about the implications of disclosing mental health challenges to their employers.

  
  

• Cultural and Language Barriers

  For non-native speakers or individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, finding culturally competent providers can be a significant challenge. Many people feel misunderstood or uncomfortable with providers who lack insight into their cultural or linguistic needs.

  
  

Addressing Barriers

While programs exist for individuals facing barriers to mental health care, substantial change can only be accomplished through significant policy changes that take time and effort. The biggest changes required are financial and include:

• Expanding access to affordable insurance plans that cover mental health services, including therapy and medication.

• Increasing funding for public and nonprofit mental health programs to provide free or low-cost services.

• Increasing incentives (e.g., loan forgiveness programs, grants) for mental health professionals to work in underserved and rural areas.

  
  

Each of these strategies requires collaboration between policymakers, healthcare organizations, employers, and communities to ensure meaningful progress.

We can do better that only serving half of the people who need mental health services. It will take effort, patience and persistence.