MAY IS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Texas Mental Health: A Statistical Overview
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet is often overlooked. In Texas, the numbers paint a stark picture of the mental health landscape. Here's a brief statistical snapshot that highlights the current state of mental health in Texas.
Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions
Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, with 3,347,000 adults in Texas having a mental health condition 1. This figure is more than three times the population of Austin, the state capitol 1.
Challenges in Mental Health Care
Texas faces a significant challenge with 251 of its 254 counties being wholly or partially designated as "mental health professional shortage areas" 2. This is particularly concerning in a state where roughly 5 million people do not have health insurance 2.
Access to Mental Health Providers
The ratio of mental health providers to number of Texans is 1 professional for every 220.73 Texans 3.
Statewide, there are less than 70,000 mental health professionals with many counties having zereo access to a mental health provider in their communities.
Hospital and Emergency Department Visits
Hospital and emergency department visits for mental health conditions have increased by 32 percent from 2015 to 2021 3.
The statistics are clear: mental health is a significant issue in Texas, affecting millions of individuals. The shortage of mental health professionals and the high number of uninsured residents exacerbate the problem. It's crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to work together to improve access to mental health services and support those in need.
For a more detailed look at the data and to understand the full scope of mental health in Texas, visit the Texas Health Data website 3.
Source(s)
1. That’s more than the population of Austin. Mental Health in - NAMI
2. How Texas’ mental health vision fell apart | The Texas Tribune