Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2024

This report uses data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine the use of prescription medication for mental health and the receipt of counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in the past 12 months among U.S. adults, by selected characteristics.

Analyses were conducted using data from the 2024 NHIS. Point estimates and corresponding confidence intervals were calculated using SAS-callable SUDAAN software to account for the survey's complex sample design. Differences between percentages were evaluated using two-sided significance tests at the 0.05 level.

A total of 19.3% of adults took medication for their mental health and 14.0% received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in the past 12 months during 2024. Women were more likely than men to have received either treatment. Adults ages 30-44 were more likely to have taken medication than those ages 65-74 and 75 and older. Adults 75 and older were least likely to have received counseling or therapy. Adults with family incomes less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) were more likely to have taken medication and as likely to have received counseling or therapy than adults with incomes greater than 400% FPL. Adults living in nonmetropolitan areas were most likely to have taken medication and least likely to have received counseling or therapy for their mental health.