FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas
Mental Health America Analyzes Over 420,000 Screenings to Uncover Gaps in Access and Urgent Needs
Dallas, TX — May 20, 2025 — Mental Health America (MHA) has released a new report analyzing more than 420,000 anonymous mental health screenings completed online by residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex between 2019 and 2023. The findings reveal widespread mental health challenges, including significant disparities across income levels, racial and ethnic groups, and geographic areas.
Since launching its free screening platform in 2014, MHA has offered millions of individuals an anonymous way to assess their mental health. This local data snapshot is intended to support community leaders, policymakers, and advocates in tailoring responses to DFW’s most pressing mental health needs.
Key Findings from the DFW Report:
- High Burden of Depression and Bipolar Disorder:
Over 275,000 screenings for depression and 144,000 for bipolar disorder were completed. More than 91,000 individuals screened for severe depression, and 73,000 screened positive for bipolar disorder. - Income-Linked Disparities:
People from households earning less than $20,000 annually showed the highest severity scores for both depression and bipolar disorder. - Racial and Ethnic Inequities:
Native American and multiracial individuals reported the highest severity for depression, while Middle Eastern/North African and multiracial individuals had the highest bipolar severity scores. - Geographic Hotspots:
While urban centers had high usage, notable screening volume also came from suburban cities like Mansfield, Allen, McKinney, and Forney—underscoring the regional scope of mental health needs. - Access Gaps Across Texas:
Many areas, particularly rural and low-income communities, face critical shortages:- 170+ counties have no psychiatrist
- 143 counties have no psychologist
- 172 counties have no psychological associate
Policy Recommendations:
- Expand youth mental health services, including school-based education and early intervention.
- Fund crisis care infrastructure, especially to support the national 988 mental health crisis line.
- Invest in workforce development, with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas, and provide training to identify burnout and other emerging needs.
“This data paints a clear picture: mental health struggles are widespread across DFW, and too many communities still lack access to care,” said Pennie Beauchamp, Executive Director. “We hope this report helps guide investments in programs, people, and policies that improve mental wellness across North Texas.”
To request the full report or learn more about MHA of Greater Dallas's efforts, visit MHADallas.org.
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About Mental Health America of Greater Dallas
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental wellness through education, advocacy, and community-based services. Since 1947, MHA Dallas has served the North Texas community by addressing mental health needs and fighting stigma.