Methodology

For the rankings, Forbes Advisor  compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C. across seven different metrics:

• Percentage of adults who needed professional counseling or therapy within the last four weeks but didn't get it (15.5%)
• Number of mental health treatment centers per 10,000 businesses (10%)
• Percentage of adults with any mental illness who did not receive treatment in the last year (15.5%)
• Percentage of adults with any mental illness who are uninsured (14%)
• Percentage of adults with a cognitive disability who could not see a doctor within the last year due to cost (15.5%)
• Percentage of youth who had a major depressive episode in the last year and did not receive mental health services (15.5%)
• Percentage with children with private health insurance that does not cover mental/emotional problems (14%)

Data for these metrics were collected from the  U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and Mental Health America. Forbes Advisor also calculated the prevalence of mental illness in each state using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

How the states fared

According to Forbes Advisor, the 10 best states for mental healthcare are:

1.       Vermont

2.       Massachusetts

3.       Rhode Island

4.       Iowa

5.       Wisconsin

6.       Pennsylvania

7.       Connecticut

8.       Maine

9.       Minnesota

10.   West Virginia

In comparison, the 10 worst states for mental healthcare are:

1.       Texas

2.       Mississippi

3.       Alabama

4.       Georgia

5.       Florida

6.       South Carolina

7.       Arizona

8.       Wyoming

9.       Tennessee

10.   Idaho

Across the United States, Montana had the highest rate of mental illness, with 25.76% reporting any mental illness and 6.75% reporting having a serious mental illness. In comparison, New Jersey had the lowest rate of mental illness, with 18.74% of adults reporting any mental illness and 3.99% reporting having a serious mental illness. 

6 things to consider when looking for mental healthcare

If you're looking for health insurance plans that offer mental health coverage, Forbes Advisor says it's important to consider the following in your search:

• Coverage for local mental health providers: Depending on your plan's provider network, you could end up paying more or completely out-of-pocket for choosing certain providers
• The overall cost of the plan: When comparing health insurance quotes, you should check a company's premiums and any potential out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays, deductibles, and more
• Coverage for prescription drugs: The medications covered and how much you'll pay will vary by health plan
• Coverage for virtual care: Telehealth can make mental healthcare more accessible, but not all plans will cover it
• Referrals for mental health providers: Some plans may require you get a referral from a primary care provider before you can see a mental health provider
• Free services or apps: Some companies may offer free services and apps that can help you improve your mental health

(Masterson/Metz, Forbes, 5/1)

How different stakeholders can advance long-term, equitable change in behavioral health

Unmet behavioral health needs are pushing the healthcare system to a breaking point, and current attempts to address these issues could be making them even worse. Visit our resource page to learn how we got here — and how to move forward.