{"id":256,"date":"2021-03-08T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ravelmentalhealth.com\/blog\/?p=256"},"modified":"2021-04-30T09:16:29","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T09:16:29","slug":"mental-health-statistics-every-therapist-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ravelmentalhealth.com\/blog\/mental-health-statistics-every-therapist-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Statistics Every American Therapist Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mental health is a prevailing problem in the United States and across the world. With a high prevalence of mental illness, low access to resources, and a stigma surrounding mental health, many people are still not receiving the treatment they need to live a healthy, prosperous life. Since 2011, mental health statistics<\/a> reveal troubling numbers, showing that even in the states with the greatest access, more than 38% of youth and adults with depression and 60% of youth are not receiving treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the state of mental health in the America is not improving. In many areas, the rate of people living with a mental health concern is growing while the number of providers is decreasing. It\u2019s clear that change is needed. Counseling can make a real difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health issues or general difficulties in life. When people have access to resources and the confidence to seek help from a therapist, it can improve their outcome, minimizing the negative consequences that often come with mental illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a therapist seeking to provide people with help they need, your role is vital in changing the numbers. Continue reading to deep dive into the statistics and discover where there are opportunities to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to help solve the dilemma? Sign up to learn about Ravel Mental Health today.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to data from NAMI<\/a>, approximately one-fifth of adults in America experience mental illness in a given year, and 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental illness. Mental illness has a high prevalence among youth between the ages of six and 12, with about 1 in 6 children and adolescents experiencing a mental health disorder per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of the last five years, the number of people experiencing mental health issues has grown steadily. Between 2017 and 2018, there was an uptick of 1.5 million in the number of adults of experiencing a mental illness. Among adults, anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting about 19.1% of Americans, or 48 million people. This is followed by 7.8% percent of people having had a major depressive episode, 3.6% with post-traumatic stress disorder, and 2.8% with bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prevalence of mental health issues has increased for people of all races<\/a> in the country. The rate of mental illness in the past year was highest among people who identify as multiracial at 24.9%. This is followed by 22.7% for American Indians or Alaskan Natives, 19% for white Americans, and 16.8% for black Americans. People who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual experience disproportionally high rates of mental illness, with more than 44% experiencing a mental illness in a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health Statistics on the Barriers to Receiving Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many struggling Americans are going without the care they need, but it can be difficult to identify the reason. While the barriers to mental health care vary from individual to individual, there are several factors that impact these numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial Difficulties<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Not having the financial resources to pay for mental health care is a major reason Americans are not receiving treatment. Insurance can help cover the costs of counseling or other mental health services, but the 2019 census<\/a> revealed that approximately 26.1 million people are uninsured. According to the demographic information<\/a>, the population most likely to be uninsured include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n