A new national survey reveals that 23% of American adults have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 20% are currently taking prescription drugs to manage their symptoms.
The poll, conducted by Rasmussen Reports in collaboration with The Great America Show, surveyed 2,373 adults between May 27 and June 3, 2025. The study found that one in five respondents sought therapy or mental health treatment in the past year. Among those, nearly 70% are now on psychiatric medication.
Younger Adults Most Affected
Mental health concerns are significantly more common among younger people. Nearly 30% of adults under 40 said they received therapy in the last year. That compares with 18% of those aged 40 to 64, and just 3% of those over 65.
Women, Especially Younger Women, Report More Issues
More women (26%) than men (20%) say a doctor has diagnosed them with a mental health disorder. Among women under 40, the number is even higher—35% report a diagnosis, and 31% say they’ve received therapy in the past year.
Political Views Linked to Mental Health Reporting
Political affiliation also appears to play a role. Twenty-eight percent of liberals said they’ve received counseling in the past year, compared to 18% of conservatives and 17% of moderates. Liberal women report the highest mental health medication use, with 29% currently taking psychiatric prescriptions. Among liberals under 40, 43% report having been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Racial, Marital, and Employment Differences
The survey found differences across racial groups. About 26% of white respondents said they had been diagnosed with a mental health condition, compared to 17% of Black respondents, 20% of Hispanics, and 11% from other racial groups. Hispanics are the most likely to have sought mental health treatment in the past year.
Unmarried adults and those with children at home are more likely to report mental health struggles than their married or childless peers.
Government workers also reported higher rates of seeking treatment. About 30% said they visited a therapist in the past year, compared to 17% of private sector employees and just 7% of retirees.
Additional Findings and Context
The poll also touched on unrelated topics, such as summer travel and dating trends. Over one-third of young singles said they are currently not interested in dating. Meanwhile, around half of Americans are planning to take a vacation this summer.
The survey results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points and were conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. More detailed data and full demographic breakdowns are available to Rasmussen Reports Platinum Members.
