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Share of U.S. adults who received mental health treatment between 2019 and 2021, by age group

Nearly 22% of all U.S. adults received some form of mental health treatment in 2021, up from about 19% just two years earlier, new data from the CDC's 2019–2021 National Health Interview Survey shows.

The increase was largely driven by a five-point jump in the percentage of adults ages 18 to 44 who either took medication for mental health or received counseling or therapy.

Why it matters: The uptick corresponds with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been linked to widespread mental distress.

It also corresponds with increasingly open discussion and acceptance in pop culture and sports when it comes to mental health challenges. 

More U.S. adults receiving mental health treatment

The increase was largely driven by a five-point jump in the percentage of adults ages 18 to 44.

Health care

A chart showing the share of U.S. adults who received mental health treatment between 2019 and 2021, by age group

<p>Nearly 22% of all U.S. adults received some form of mental health treatment in 2021, up from about 19% just two years earlier, new data from the CDC&#x27;s 2019–2021 National Health Interview Survey shows.</p><ul><li>The increase was largely driven by a five-point jump in the percentage of adults ages 18 to 44 who either took medication for mental health or received counseling or therapy.</li></ul>

The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

More U.S. adults receiving mental health treatment

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