Ohio Ranks 12th in National Mental Health Assessment
Ohio ranked 12th among U.S. states and the District of Columbia in the latest State of Mental Health in America 2025 report, released today, indicating a moderate level of mental well-being compared to other states.
The report, produced by the nonprofit Mental Health America, assessed states based on 17 measures including rates of adult and youth mental illness, substance use disorder, and suicidal thoughts using data from 2022-2023. States were ranked based on the prevalence of these issues, with lower prevalence equating to a higher ranking. New York topped the list, while Idaho, Alabama, Arizona, and Nevada ranked lowest.
According to the report, access to care remains a significant challenge, particularly in the South and rural areas. For example, nearly 20% of adults with mental illness in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Texas lacked insurance coverage during the assessed period, compared to just 4% in Vermont, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Looking at surrounding states, Pennsylvania (7th) and Michigan (13th) demonstrated more positive behavioral health outcomes than Ohio. Finding affordable mental healthcare is a growing concern nationwide.
“This report gives us a foundation to build better strategies, advocate for smarter policies, and target resources where they are needed most to address the ongoing mental health crisis in this country,” said Mary Giliberti, interim president and CEO of Mental Health America. The organization plans to use the data to advocate for increased funding and improved access to mental health services across the nation.
