Mental Health Awareness Month 2026: What You Need To Know

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to raise awareness of mental health conditions, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support. Despite growing awareness, many Americans still face barriers to care, including limited access to mental health coverage and treatment.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a nationwide observance held each May to promote mental health education, advocacy and access to care.

This annual campaign highlights how mental health affects individuals across the United States and why early support and treatment matter. It also brings attention to gaps in coverage — including how many at-risk individuals lack health insurance that includes mental health benefits. Keep reading to learn how mental health challenges are impacting Americans and what that means for access to care.

On This Page

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  What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

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  When Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

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  Why Is Mental Health Awareness Month Important?

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  Mental Health Awareness Month History

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  Mental Health Awareness Month Facts

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  How To Get Involved During Mental Health Awareness Month

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  Mental Health Resources and Services

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  Does Health Insurance Cover Mental Health Services?

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  Mental Health Awareness Month at a Glance

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  How To Access Mental Health Services Through Your Insurance

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  FAQs

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Also known simply as Mental Health Month, Mental Health Awareness Month is a way for organizations to highlight the prevalence of mental illness in the United States and to encourage people to seek professional help if they need it.

Many organizations also use this time to promote strategies for managing mental health independently — aiming to prevent issues from escalating to the point where professional intervention is necessary.

When Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized every May. Local events may take place throughout the month to advocate for improved mental health support or highlight personal stories from individuals with lived experience.

Why Is Mental Health Awareness Month Important?

Mental health awareness is crucial because of how common mental health issues are and how uncommon it is for people to get their mental illnesses treated. By better advocating for mental health treatments and being open about what living with mental health conditions is like, we can improve access to mental health care and reduce the stigma of getting treatment. Additionally, as cost is a common obstacle to receiving mental health care, discussing the impact of mental health can also help improve policies that lower costs and improve access.^[1]

Mental Health Awareness Month History

Mental Health Awareness Month began as Mental Health Week in 1949, a collaboration between Mental Health America and the United States Junior Chamber, also known as the Jaycees. It eventually grew to encompass an entire month dedicated to educating Americans about mental illness and broader mental wellness.^[2]

Today, numerous additional organizations — including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing — promote mental health awareness throughout May. In 2023, President Joe Biden issued a statement recognizing May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, and many states issued proclamations officially acknowledging the observance.^[3][4]

Mental Health Awareness Month Facts

Below are a few facts about mental health, showcasing both how pervasive mental illnesses are in the U.S. and how costs can be a restrictive factor in getting care:^[5]

• Roughly 23% of adults in the United States experienced some kind of mental illness in 2024.
• Over 5% of adults with mental illness seriously contemplated suicide in 2024.
• Around 9% of adults with a mental illness do not have health insurance that covers mental health care, leaving many unable to afford treatment.
• Nearly 27% of individuals with frequent mental distress within a month reported they were unable to see a doctor for help, primarily due to cost.

How To Get Involved During Mental Health Awareness Month

The best and most straightforward way to observe Mental Health Awareness Month is to promote mental health awareness yourself. This could involve posting about mental health statistics on social media or discussing the importance of maintaining good mental health with your friends and loved ones.

You might also consider contacting your elected officials to let them know what steps you believe they should take to address mental health concerns in your area. Alternatively, look for local fundraisers and other events promoting the importance of caring for your mental health.

You can take steps to maintain good psychological health. This may mean readjusting your priorities and behaviors to alleviate stress and improve your mood, evaluating your current lifestyle to determine its benefits and potentially seeking therapy if necessary.

Mental Health Resources and Services

Below is a list of a few mental health resources to provide immediate support, treatment referrals and offer information:

Does Health Insurance Cover Mental Health Services?

All Marketplace health plans, including individual, family and employer-sponsored health insurance, are required to cover mental health services as essential health benefits, such as psychotherapy, counseling and inpatient services. Additionally, Medicare also covers mental health services, although those with Medicare Advantage may have different services covered depending on their insurer.^[10][11]

All Medicaid programs cover mental health services, although the specific services covered and eligibility requirements vary by state.^[12]

Mental Health Awareness Month at a Glance

Below is a brief summary of the essential information you should know about Mental Health Awareness Month:

• Mental Health Awareness Month is observed throughout May each year.
• You can advocate for reduced stigma around mental health and improve access to treatment by speaking about mental health openly, both online and with friends and family. 
• Seek out and participate in local community-organized mental health events throughout the month, many of which you can find online.
• Take care of your own mental health by taking part in a free assessment or planning a visit with an in-network therapist.
• If you don’t currently have coverage that includes the mental health benefits you need or don’t currently have health insurance, consider shopping around to find an affordable plan.

How To Access Mental Health Services Through Your Insurance

You can typically access mental health services through your insurance by logging into your insurer’s website and searching for in-network mental health facilities and therapists. If you’d prefer to call, you can also contact your insurer at the phone number on the back of your health insurance card for more information. Once you’ve located a therapist, contact them and confirm they accept your insurance before making an initial appointment.^[13]