Experience with mental illness and awareness of health or crisis services among adults in Houston, 2024–2026

Mental healthcare needs are growing, yet awareness of available services remains limited, even in Houston, Texas. This study examined relationships between having experienced or been diagnosed with mental illness and awareness of community-based mental health or crisis services. Approximately 1,000 Houston-area adults were surveyed in 2024 and 2026. Chi-square and multivariable regression analyses showed that experience with mental illness was associated with SGM populations, race/ethnicity, and age after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. SGM participants had greater odds of reporting mental illness, whereas Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and older adults had lower adjusted odds relative to their reference groups. Awareness of community-based services was independently associated with gender, SGM populations, race/ethnicity, age, and annual household income; females had greater odds of awareness, whereas Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and older adults had lower odds. Findings highlight sociodemographic differences in reported experience with mental illness and awareness of community-based services. Longitudinal research is needed to further examine these relationships.