Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2024

Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Key Findings: 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.