American’s Views on Mental Health Care: Survey Finds Most Perceive Gaps
From top barriers in seeking treatment to how well mental health issues are identified and treated, find out what US adults really think about the mental health care system.
A recent survey conducted by Gallup and West Health assessed American’s opinions on various aspects of the nation’s mental health care system, including how mental health issues are treated compared to physical issues, factors that may prevent them from seeking treatment, effectiveness of different forms of treatments, and more. The survey consisted of a random sample of 2266 US adults aged 18 years and older. Responses were gathered from February 2-4, 2024, through the nationally representative Gallup Panel.
Scroll through the slides below for key findings.
- 82% said that mental health issues take a backseat to physical issues.
- A – 1%
- B – 8%
- C – 27%
- D – 32%
- F – 25%
- Unsure – 7%
- Affordability (52%)
- Difficulty finding a provider (42%)
- Embarrassment (27%)
- Thinking treatment wouldn’t help (24%)
*Percentages total more than 100% because multiple options were selected
- About 6 in 10 adults aged <50 years said cost may be a barrier vs 46% of those aged 50-64 years and 35% of adults aged ≥65 years.
- 53% said counseling is a “very effective” or “effective” treatment.
- 35% said prescription medicines are “very effective” or “effective."
