poor mental health days per month
Iowa adults averaged 5.0 poor mental health days per month in 2024, compared with a U.S. average of 5.1 days.
Source: Iowa HHS System Snapshot, Updated February 2026Mental Health Data
Iowa mental health statistics.
A sourced, regularly updated reference for Iowa mental health distress, provider access, therapy use, and national context.
Last Updated
July 6, 2026
These numbers come from public health sources, including Iowa HHS, SAMHSA, and CDC. Each statistic includes a source and a stable anchor so it can be quoted without losing context.
5.0
poor mental health days per month
Iowa adults averaged 5.0 poor mental health days per month in 2024, compared with a U.S. average of 5.1 days.
81
Iowa counties with a mental health provider shortage
Iowa HHS reports 81 counties with a shortage of mental health care providers throughout the county.
23.5%
of Iowa young adults report frequent mental health distress
Nearly one in four Iowa adults ages 18 to 24 reported frequent mental health distress in 2024.
Iowa Snapshot
Local need is steady, but access is uneven.
Iowa's statewide averages look close to national levels, but the provider shortage and young-adult distress data show why local access still matters.
Iowa counties with a mental health provider shortage
Iowa HHS reports 81 counties with a shortage of mental health care providers throughout the county.
Source: Iowa HHS System Snapshot, Updated February 2026of Iowa young adults report frequent mental health distress
Nearly one in four Iowa adults ages 18 to 24 reported frequent mental health distress in 2024.
Source: Iowa HHS System Snapshot, Updated February 2026of Iowa adults feel mentally distressed for half the month or more
The share has grown from 9% in 2011 to nearly 15% today, according to Iowa HHS.
Source: Iowa HHS System Snapshot, Updated February 2026of rural Iowa young adults report frequent distress
Iowa HHS reports frequent mental health distress among 27% of rural young adults, compared with 22% of young adults in metro areas.
Source: Iowa HHS System Snapshot, Updated February 2026National Context
Mental health needs are common, and treatment still does not reach everyone.
These national benchmarks help put Iowa's local numbers in perspective for families, writers, schools, and community partners.
of U.S. adults experienced any mental illness
SAMHSA estimates that 61.5 million U.S. adults experienced any mental illness in 2024.
Source: SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Published July 28, 2025of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness
SAMHSA estimates that 14.6 million U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2024.
Source: SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Published July 28, 2025of U.S. adults reported generalized anxiety symptoms
In 2024, SAMHSA found that over one in five U.S. adults reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Source: SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Published July 28, 2025of U.S. adolescents had a major depressive episode
SAMHSA estimates that 3.8 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode in 2024.
Source: SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Published July 28, 2025of U.S. adults received counseling or therapy
CDC reports that 1 in 7 U.S. adults received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in the last 12 months in 2024.
Source: CDC Mental Health Conditions & Care, Updated May 27, 2026of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment
Among adults with any mental illness in 2024, SAMHSA estimates that 32.0 million received any mental health treatment.
Source: SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Published July 28, 2025of U.S. high school students reported symptoms of depression
CDC's most recent 2023 data shows 2 in 5 high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks that they stopped some usual activities.
Source: CDC Mental Health Conditions & Care, Updated May 27, 2026How To Use This Page
Quote the number, keep the source, and include the date.
Mental health data changes over time. When sharing a statistic, include the source date shown on the card and link directly to the statistic's anchor when possible.
This page is informational and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or crisis resource. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Cite this page
Wellness Works Counseling Services. "Iowa Mental Health Statistics." Last updated July 6, 2026. https://wellness-works-counseling.com/iowa-mental-health-statistics/
Sources
Where the numbers came from.
The page uses government and public health sources where available. Figures are presented with the date attached to the source, not guessed forward.
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Request an appointment online, call the practice, or send a message. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
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Office
702 SW 4th Street, Suite 103
Ankeny, IA 50023