Texas Ranks Last for Mental Health Services for the Second Year in a Row

By: John Glover (MBA)

Forbes recently released its analysis of the worst states for mental health in 2024, and Texas is, once again, at the bottom. Why does the Lone Star state consistently find itself at the bottom of the US struggling mental health statistics?

The Forbes study examined states’ mental health services on 7 factors:

Percentage of adults with a mental illness who do not receive treatment
Percentage of adults with a mental illness who do not receive adequate treatment
Percentage of adults who are struggling with mental health and could not see a doctor due to cost
Percentage of youth with depression who do not receive mental health services
Percentage of adults with a mental illness who are uninsured
Percentage of youth with private health insurance that does not cover mental or emotional problems
Number of mental health treatment centers per 10,000 businesses

Texas’ mental health statistics consistently ranked the worst using these factors, but not by much. As a whole, the US is struggling to keep up with the need for quality, effective, and affordable mental health services. Mental Health America says that more than half of adults with a mental illness do not receive any treatment at all, whereas around a quarter of adults do not receive adequate treatment.

Texas stats are as follows:

Nearly 30% of adults with a mental illness in Texas do not receive adequate treatment, leaving them without the support they need.
Alarmingly, 74.9% of youth struggling with depression in Texas do not receive the necessary mental health treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care for our young population.
Approximately 21.4% of adults with mental illness in Texas lack insurance coverage and are unable to afford crucial mental healthcare services, posing a substantial barrier to treatment.
Shockingly, a third of adults in Texas who have a mental health disorder are unable to seek professional help due to the high costs associated with healthcare services, perpetuating their struggle.
With only 8.4 mental health businesses per 10,000 in Texas, the availability of mental health resources is significantly lower than the national average, making it challenging for individuals to access vital support.
Over 60% of adults with a mental health issue in Texas receive no treatment at all, a stark contrast to the estimated 50% nationwide average, underscoring the urgent need for improved access to mental health services in our state.

Following Texas was Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

How to Improve Mental Health Services in Texas

Government officials, mental health advocates, teachers, and mental health officials are all banding together to create a more hospital mental health environment. To do this, they are focusing on:

Getting more mental health professionals into schools.
Encouraging new, young therapists to start their practice in Texas.
Encouraging the use of online therapy

Online therapy has been a popular solution to many states’ mental health issues. Online therapy is often more affordable because therapists don’t have to pay for office space and can charge their clients less. It can also be much more comfortable for many people to conduct therapy in their own space rather than go to a stranger’s office.

Online therapy also enables therapists from all over to reach clients living in rural, lower-income, or heavily populated areas. The therapist-to-client ratio is widely skewed, with around 98% of Texas counties being considered a “Mental health professional shortage areas”. Online therapy helps close this gap.

When you’re looking for an online mental health company, look for one that vets their therapists, only hires licensed professionals, and has good reviews. Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy recently opened online availability in Texas and is a good option for those seeking mental health therapy.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published By: Aize Perez