Behavioral health issues are a critical challenge for the United States, affecting millions of people and imposing significant costs on employers and the economy.

The following statistics illustrate the impact of these issues. The main takeaway: Addressing behavioral health issues through effective treatment and workplace programs can lead to substantial benefits for individuals, employers, and society.

Prevalence of behavioral health issues and access to care

Mental health disorders

1. In 2022, 4.9 million commercially insured adults under 65 had a diagnosed mental health condition, a 23% increase from 2018. The number of people with two or more conditions jumped 43% from 2018 through 2022.  (Source: Evernorth Research Institute)

2. During those five years, the prevalence of mental health diagnoses among people younger than 26 increased by 28% for one diagnosis and by 48% for two diagnoses. (Source: Evernorth Research Institute)

3. About 50% of people ages 18-24 reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in 2023, compared with just a third of adults overall. (Source: KFF)

4. 42% of the population saw cost and poor insurance coverage as the top barriers for accessing mental health care. One in four (25%) Americans reported having to choose between getting mental health treatment and paying for daily necessities. (Source: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

Substance use disorders

5. In 2023, an estimated 28.9 million Americans 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder, which represents 10.2% of this population. (Source: American Addiction Centers)

6. About 27.2 million Americans 12 or older (9.7%) reported a drug use disorder in the past year. (Source: American Addiction Centers)

Impact on U.S. employers

7. U.S. employers spend more than $200 billion annually on behavioral health costs for employees and their dependents, which excludes indirect costs such as lost productivity and missed work.  (Source: McKinsey)

8. 80% of employees who received treatment for mental illness reported they were more efficient and satisfied at work. (Source: American Psychiatric Association)

9. Employees with untreated depression experience a 35% reduction in productivity. (Source: National Organization on Disability)

10. Workplace stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $300 billion annually. (Source: UMass Lowell)

11. 60% of Americans who are battling drug or alcohol addiction are employed. Substance use disorders contribute to 500 million lost workdays annually. (Source: Fortune)

12. Every dollar U.S. employers spend on mental health treatment yields a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. (Source: National Safety Council)

13. Working parents who have a child who is struggling with mental health conditions are challenged when it comes to managing their child’s needs. The time needed for activities like looking for appointments, communicating with school staff, and learning about their child’s condition can consume up to 32 hours of worktime a month. (Source: Evernorth Research Institute)

Economic impact

14. Mental illness costs the U.S. economy $282 billion annually. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research)

15. Use and misuse of alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, and misuse of prescription drugs cost Americans more than $700 billion a year in increased health care costs, crime, and lost productivity. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools. It was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cigna Healthcare's editorial team and subject matter experts.