Mental Health Access Dropped in 2026 Even as Spending Hit Record Levels

Access to mental health services declined slightly in 2026, with only 47.4 percent of U.S. adults using services like talk therapy or psychiatry, down from 50 percent in 2025, according to a new report from Rula.

The report, titled "The Spaces Between Us: Navigating the Gaps, Traps, and Barriers of Mental Health in America," found that 52.6 percent of adults have not accessed mental health services, even as awareness and spending are at historic levels. State mental health spending reached $61.4 billion in 2024.

Cost is the biggest barrier. Forty-one percent of respondents cited financial stress as a reason for not seeking care, up sharply from 25 percent in 2025. Half of all respondents said they have cut spending on health-related services because of rising costs.

Finding the right therapist is also a challenge. Nineteen percent of respondents said difficulty finding a suitable provider kept them from getting help. About 37 percent said they are unsure which type of therapy would be most helpful for them.

Stigma remains a factor. Many people feel social pressure to push through mental health struggles rather than seek help. The report found that having friends or family who openly discuss mental health is one of the strongest motivators for others to seek care.

A December 2025 West Health-Gallup survey found that only 29 percent of U.S. adults rated their mental health as "excellent," down from 43 percent before the pandemic.

Mental health professionals say small daily habits can make a meaningful difference. These include prioritizing sleep, staying physically active, maintaining social connections, setting boundaries, and limiting information overload. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support around the clock.