Mental Health Crises and Help-Seeking Among U.S. Adults in 2024–2025

Abstract Introduction Mental health crises—including suicidal thoughts and other acute psychological distress—are pressing public health concerns in the United States. However, little is known about how many people experience a crisis, who is most affected, or what services they seek. Methods We analyzed nationally representative data from wave 6 of the CLIMB study, collected March 27 – April 30, 2025(N=1,916). We estimated past-year prevalence of self-reported mental health crises, identified demographic and clinical correlates, and examined help-seeking behaviors and barriers to care. Results Nearly one in ten adults (8.9%) reported a mental health crisis in the past year. Prevalence was highest among adults aged 18–29 (15.1%) and among Black (11.8%) and Hispanic (10.5%) individuals. Mental health crises were more common among those with probable depression (22.4%), PTSD (22.4%), or housing instability (37.9%). Among those who sought help (72.6%), some contacted the 988 hotline (17.5%) and fewer used a mobile crisis team (9.9%); most relied on health care providers (53.2%) or family and friends (39.8%). Conclusion Mental health crises are common but often go unaddressed by formal services. Expanding public awareness and improving access to timely, trusted support remain key challenges.