What works to address Global Mental Health Crisis: 1B+ Untreated?

Community-based, person-centered care is favored over custodial psychiatric-hospital models, according to WHO.[1][8] Integrating mental health into primary care improves access and is already advancing in many countries.[1] Scaling evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety is cost-effective; WHO cites a 5-to-1 benefit-cost ratio for diversifying and scaling up care options.[8]

How can I help with Global Mental Health Crisis: 1B+ Untreated?

Donate to credible mental health organizations working on access, treatment, and crisis support. Volunteer with local or international NGOs that provide counseling, peer support, or outreach. Advocate for stronger public financing, workforce expansion, and community-based services by contacting policymakers.

Mental Health

Global Mental Health Crisis: 1B+ Untreated

Severity

9/10

Impact

1.0Bpeople

Trend

worsening

Cost

$190.0B

The global mental health crisis remains severe: WHO’s 2025 reporting says more than 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, and most people still do not receive effective care. WHO says access is especially poor in low-income countries, where fewer than 10% of affected people receive care, compared with over 50% in higher-income countries. WHO also reports that only 71% of countries meet at least three of five criteria for integrating mental health into primary care, while fewer than 10% have fully transitioned to community-based care models. The system-level gaps remain large. WHO says mental health needs are high but responses are insufficient, with major shortages in workforce, resources, and quality of care. In the United States, NAMI reports that 52.1% of adults with mental illness received treatment in 2024, and 120+ million people live in designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. WHO has also emphasized that depression and anxiety are the most common disorders globally, while the service gap is still wide even in high-income countries.

Recent Developments

012025: WHO reported that more than 1 billion people are living with mental disorders and called for urgent scaling up of services.

022025: WHO said fewer than 10% of affected people receive care in low-income countries, versus over 50% in higher-income countries.

032024: NAMI reported that 52.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment and that 120+ million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Interventions

WHO is pushing governments to expand equitable financing, legal and policy reform, workforce investment, and community-based person-centered care.
WHO reports that integration of mental health into primary care is advancing in 71% of countries meeting at least three of five criteria.
Telehealth and outpatient mental health services are becoming more available, though access remains uneven.

What Works

Community-based, person-centered care is favored over custodial psychiatric-hospital models, according to WHO.
Integrating mental health into primary care improves access and is already advancing in many countries.
Scaling evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety is cost-effective; WHO cites a 5-to-1 benefit-cost ratio for diversifying and scaling up care options.

How to Help

Donate to credible mental health organizations working on access, treatment, and crisis support.
Volunteer with local or international NGOs that provide counseling, peer support, or outreach.
Advocate for stronger public financing, workforce expansion, and community-based services by contacting policymakers.

Make an Impact

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Raise Awareness

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Verified Organizations

Organizations Helping(8)

United for Global Mental Health

United for Global Mental Health works by campaigning for governments to shift away from harmful institutionalization toward community-centred care, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and building political commitment for better mental health systems. It also works through partnerships with advocates, policymakers, and communities to increase support for mental health worldwide.

Website →Source

Project HOPE

Project HOPE says its teams in Gaza are providing health care, nutrition support, psychosocial services, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. It operates clinics that are running far above estimated capacity and conducts large volumes of medical consultations each week to keep services available amid the collapse of the health system.

Website →Source

World Health Organization

WHO’s contribution in Gaza is through health-system support and public-health response to the consequences of unsafe water and fuel shortages, including preventing and managing outbreaks linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. In practice, WHO works through emergency health coordination and support to essential service continuity rather than direct water delivery.

Website →Source

Global Mental Health Action Network

The Action Network tackles the crisis by connecting thousands of advocates across more than 170 countries, organizing around priority themes such as suicide prevention, youth mental health, financing, stigma, LGBTQI+ mental health, and climate change. It amplifies lived experience and coordinates civil society advocacy to influence decision-making at international, national, and local levels.

Website →Source