In 2023, nearly a quarter of the adult population in the United States sought mental health treatment, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) newly released National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about mental health, with growing recognition of its importance and a steady increase in the number of people accessing care.
The findings, while positive, reveal a complex picture of mental health care in the U.S. and underscore the need for continued efforts to address unmet needs, reduce disparities, and ensure equitable access to mental health services.
A Positive Shift in Mental Health Treatment Access
According to the 2023 NSDUH report, 58.7 million adults in the U.S. experienced some form of mental illness (AMI). Of this group, around 54% accessed mental health services in the past year. This shows a steady increase in treatment-seeking behavior, which is especially encouraging given the history of stigma and barriers associated with mental health care.
For individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), which is a more severe category of mental health disorders, the treatment utilization rate was even higher. The report found that 71% of the 14.6 million adults diagnosed with SMI received some form of mental health treatment in the past year. This suggests that people with the most acute mental health needs are increasingly seeking the help they require, which is an essential step toward improving overall public health outcomes.
Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, HHS assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, who oversees SAMHSA, shared her optimism about the report’s findings. “Each year, data from the annual NSDUH provides an opportunity to identify and address unmet healthcare needs across America,” she said in a statement. “We’re pleased to see that more people received mental health treatment in 2023 than the previous year.”
This increase in access to care is a testament to the tireless work of mental health professionals, advocates, and policymakers who have worked to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and make mental health services more accessible to the public. But while the statistics are encouraging, they also highlight ongoing disparities and gaps that need to be addressed.
Disparities in Access: Age, Ethnicity, and Telehealth
While the overall trend toward increased mental health treatment is positive, the survey also sheds light on the disparities in access to care across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds, and treatment modalities. These disparities suggest that some populations may still face significant barriers to accessing the care they need.
Age Disparities: Younger Adults Seek Help More Than Older Adults
One of the most striking findings in the report was the difference in mental health care access between age groups. Young adults aged 18 to 25 were the most likely to seek mental health treatment, with 27.4% of this group reporting they had received care in the past year. This is an encouraging trend, as it suggests that younger people may be more open to seeking help for mental health issues than previous generations. The stigma surrounding mental health care has certainly decreased, especially among younger people, who are more likely to view mental health as an essential part of overall well-being.
However, older adults, particularly those over the age of 50, were the least likely to access mental health care. This group faces several challenges, including a lack of awareness about available services, cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, and logistical issues such as transportation and mobility difficulties. The data also revealed that older adults were less likely to access mental health treatment via telehealth, a modality that has proven crucial for overcoming some of these barriers, especially for individuals in rural or underserved areas.
The fact that younger adults are more likely to access care is a positive sign, but the disparities with older adults suggest that targeted interventions are needed to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all age groups, particularly those who may face unique barriers as they age.
Ethnic and Racial Disparities: Addressing Inequities in Care
The 2023 SAMHSA report also uncovered notable disparities in mental health service utilization among different racial and ethnic groups. Specifically, Asian and Black adults were less likely to access mental health services in the past year compared to their White, Multiracial, or American Indian/Alaska Native counterparts. This is a critical issue, as these populations are often underrepresented in mental health care, which can exacerbate the challenges they face in accessing timely and effective treatment.
The report points to several factors that may contribute to these disparities, including cultural stigma around mental health, historical mistrust of the healthcare system, and economic barriers such as lack of insurance or access to providers. To address these gaps, it is vital that mental health care systems are designed to be culturally competent and that outreach efforts are made to build trust and engage underserved communities.
One particularly concerning trend highlighted in the report was that Multiracial adults were more likely than most other racial or ethnic groups to experience any mental illness, serious mental illness, and serious thoughts of suicide. This suggests that multiracial individuals may be facing unique mental health challenges that are not being adequately addressed by current mental health care systems. More research is needed to understand the specific needs of this population, and targeted interventions should be implemented to ensure that they receive the support they need.
Telehealth: A Vital Tool for Expanding Access
Telehealth continues to be a vital tool in expanding access to mental health services, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of virtual care. In 2023, 12.1% of U.S. adults reported utilizing telehealth to access mental health services. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, and it demonstrates that many people are seeking care via virtual platforms to overcome barriers like geographic isolation, transportation difficulties, and scheduling conflicts.
The popularity of telehealth was particularly high among individuals under the age of 50, who are more likely to be comfortable with technology and may have fewer logistical barriers to accessing virtual care. However, the report also highlighted that adults aged 50 and older were less likely to utilize telehealth services, even though they may benefit from the convenience it offers. Additionally, older adults were less likely to seek outpatient treatment or take prescription medications for their mental health concerns.
The widespread use of telehealth is encouraging, but it also underscores the need for targeted efforts to ensure that older adults and those who are less familiar with technology can also benefit from these services. Expanding access to digital literacy programs and improving the infrastructure of telehealth platforms can help bridge these gaps and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from virtual care.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
While the 2023 SAMHSA report highlights positive trends in mental health treatment, it also emphasizes the need for continued progress in addressing the challenges that remain. As more Americans seek mental health care, it is crucial to focus on ensuring that services are equitable and accessible to all, regardless of age, ethnicity, or geographic location.
The data suggests that younger adults and those under 50 are more likely to seek care, while older adults and marginalized racial and ethnic groups continue to face significant barriers. Access to behavioral health services through telehealth offers an opportunity to overcome some of these barriers, but it must be made accessible to all, including older populations who may be less comfortable with technology.
Furthermore, the disparities in mental health care utilization between different racial and ethnic groups highlight the need for more culturally competent care and outreach efforts to ensure that all communities have access to the mental health services they need. It is imperative that we work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in these communities and build trust in the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the 2023 NSDUH report provides a hopeful look at the growing awareness and access to mental health care in the U.S., but it also reminds us that there is much more work to be done. As we continue to focus on increasing access to behavioral health services, we must ensure that no one is left behind. By addressing disparities and expanding access to care, particularly through telehealth and culturally competent services, we can work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
With 58 million adults experiencing mental illness, it is more critical than ever that we maintain our commitment to improving access to behavioral health services for all. The progress made in 2023 is just the beginning, and with continued effort, we can build a system that provides care for all individuals in need of mental health support.
By prioritizing the continued improvement of access to behavioral health services, we can foster a society where mental health is no longer stigmatized, and help is available to everyone who needs it.
