The State of Mental Health in the U.S.

In recent years, mental health challenges in the United States have surged to unprecedented levels. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 59.3 million adults, representing 23.1% of the adult population, experienced some form of mental illness in 2022. That includes conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more severe psychiatric illnesses. Source: NIMH, 2023

Despite this, just 50.6% of adults with any mental illness received mental health treatment in 2022, leaving nearly 30 million adults untreated.

This isn’t just a healthcare statistic—it’s a national crisis affecting families, workplaces, and communities.

Why Aren’t People Getting the Help They Need?

It’s not because people don’t want help. According to a 2023 report from Mental Health America, over 60% of adults with mental health symptoms expressed a need for support, yet many do not get it.

Here’s why:

1. Limited Access to Mental Health Professionals

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), more than 163 million Americans live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSAs) regions with too few psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists to meet demand.

This is especially true for rural counties, where access to in-person care may require hours of travel if it exists at all.

2. Scheduling Conflicts with Daily Life

APA's 2022 Work and Well-being Survey revealed that seven in 10 workers (71%) believe their employer is more concerned about the mental health of employees now than in the past. This indicates a growing recognition of mental health challenges in the workplace, which often include time and scheduling conflicts.Source: APA, 2022

Parents with no childcare, shift workers, students with inflexible class hours, and caregivers often find it impossible to attend weekday appointments between 9 AM and 5 PM

3. Stigma and Cultural Barriers

Mental health stigma remains a persistent barrier, especially among BIPOC, immigrant, and older adult populations. Many report fear of judgment, not being taken seriously, or being told to “handle it alone.”

In some communities, seeking therapy is still seen as a weakness or reserved only for crisis-level situations.

4. Systemic Inequities in Mental Healthcare

For people who overcome stigma and scheduling, there is still the challenge of navigating a system not designed for everyone. BIPOC individuals often report misdiagnosis, lack of culturally responsive care, or distrust in providers.

The Consequences of Not Getting Help

The effects of untreated mental illness ripple outward:

• Increased risk of substance misuse

• Higher rates of unemployment and financial instability

• Relationship breakdown

• Worsening physical health

• Elevated suicide risk

According to the CDC, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2021, and second among people ages 10–34. Source: CDC, 2023

A Solution That Fits Real Lives: Telehealth Mental Health Services

Telehealth therapy, which delivers mental health services through secure video, phone, or chat, is proving to be a lifeline. Here’s how:

Accessibility from Anywhere

Telehealth removes geographical barriers. You don’t need to live near a clinic or drive hours for care, you just need a private space and an internet connection.

Flexibility for Busy Lives

Many telehealth providers offer evening, weekend, and lunchtime sessions. This is critical for parents, students, caregivers, and professionals who can't step away during business hours.

Culturally Affirming, Therapist-Matched Care

Platforms like iOAN Recovery Center prioritize culturally responsive therapy, matching clients with clinicians who understand their unique lived experiences and backgrounds.

Comfort, Privacy, and Lower Stigma

Therapy from home helps reduce social stigma and increases emotional comfort. It may feel safer to open up in a familiar environment, without the fear of being seen entering a clinic.

Telehealth Works And It's Here to Stay

Numerous studies now support telehealth’s effectiveness:

• A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist examined 12 studies comparing video call-based CBT to in-person CBT for adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. The analysis found no significant difference in effectiveness between the two modalities (Standardized Mean Difference = 0.044; 95% CI: –0.086 to 0.174), indicating that video-based CBT is non-inferior to in-person therapy. The study also reported high feasibility, acceptability, and maintained treatment gains at follow-up. 

• A study published in Psychiatric Services, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association, found that the shift to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to improved continuity in psychotherapy sessions and shorter intervals between appointments, demonstrating the lasting value of virtual therapy.

• Teletherapy sessions grew by 154% between 2019 and 2022, according to a 2023 CDC study, reflecting not only rising demand but also greater patient satisfaction with virtual care.

Final Words

Mental illness does not discriminate, but access to treatment still does.

Today, millions of Americans suffer in silence, not because they don’t want help, but because they can’t reach it. Whether it’s due to provider shortages, scheduling challenges, stigma, or systemic bias, too many are left untreated.

Telehealth isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game changer.

At iOAN Recovery Center, we believe your mental health shouldn’t be paused for a waitlist, a commute, or a 9–5 appointment window. We provide confidential, culturally responsive therapy for California residents—fully online, always flexible.

📞  Call For Free consultation  | 818.804.9087

🌐 Visit:  ioanrecovery-center.org

📧 Email: admin@ioanrecoverycenter.org

Sources

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Illness. NIMH

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 NSDUH Report. SAMHSA

• American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress and Scheduling Survey. APA

• Health Resources & Services Administration. (2024). Mental Health Shortage Areas. HRSA

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide Facts. CDC