Mental health resources, research, and statistics in Jacksonville, Florida

The State of Mental Health in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville stands at a crossroads when it comes to mental health: It’s a city rich in resources but challenged by access and rising needs. The numbers reveal a story of urgency and resilience. Jacksonville’s mental health hospitalization rate is 13% higher than the state average—a telling indicator that many residents are in crisis and in need of immediate and ongoing support. Despite this, Florida as a whole ranks near the bottom when it comes to mental health funding, leaving cities like Jacksonville to rely on a patchwork of services, community support, and nonprofit initiatives.

Suicide remains a profound concern across Florida, with suicide counts surpassing homicides in the majority of counties. This underscores the importance of proactive and preventative care, something that organizations like NAMI Jacksonville, Here Tomorrow, and the Women’s Center of Jacksonville are working to address through community engagement and targeted support groups.

Demographic insights from Thriveworks appointments provide a glimpse into who is seeking care locally. The majority—55%—of those booking appointments were female-identifying, with adults ages 26–34 making up the largest age group at 25%. Younger adults (18–25) followed closely behind, which may reflect growing awareness and reduced stigma around mental health among Gen Z and younger millennials.

Jacksonville also reflects a rising digital demand for help, as Google search trends related to mental health have hit record highs. This increase in online engagement could suggest more residents are ready to seek help but may not know where to begin—making centralized, accessible directories of resources all the more essential.

With national lifelines, local crisis centers like Baptist Behavioral Health, and grassroots efforts from support groups and nonprofit organizations, Jacksonville offers a strong network for those ready to take that first step toward healing. Yet the data makes one thing clear: Awareness must continue to grow, services must be supported, and no one in Jacksonville should face mental health challenges alone.

Mental Health Resources in Jacksonville, FL

In addition to professional care, Jacksonville offers a range of resources for those in need of mental health support. These include emergency services, local helplines, non-profit organizations, and support groups that provide assistance outside of traditional clinical settings. Whether you’re seeking immediate help or long-term support, the following resources can guide you to the care you seek in Jacksonville.

Emergency Services 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 7-1-1 for TTY users or text 9-8-8
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 (Available 24/7)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1 or text 838255
• National Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or Text 800-985-5990

Not-for-profits

• The JED Foundation
• SAM Foundation
• NAMI Jacksonville Florida
• Mental Health Resource Center, Inc.

Local Clinics and Hotlines 

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Text or Call 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 for TTY users
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Text or Call 800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) or chat here
• Nami Jacksonville, FL Helpline: Call 904-323-4723 
• Baptist Behavioral Health Crisis Line (Duval): 24-HOUR HOTLINE: 904-202-7900
• Hubbard House (Duval) Women’s Domestic Violence: 24-HOUR HOTLINE: 904-354-3114

Support Groups  

• NAMI Jacksonville, FL Support Groups
• Emotions Anonymous
• Women’s Center of Jacksonville
• Here Tomorrow Support Groups

Mental Health Statistics in Jacksonville, FL

Mental health is a significant concern in Jacksonville, with many residents affected by various mental health conditions. While services are available, gaps in access to care remain. Below, we highlight key statistics that illustrate the mental health landscape in Jacksonville, including prevalence rates, common issues, and local service usage. These data offer valuable insight into the city’s mental health needs and the ongoing efforts to address them.

• “Jacksonville’s mental health hospitalization rate is 13% higher than Florida’s average.”¹
• From 2023-2024, the rate of Behavioral/Mental Health Professionals in Alachua County was 253 per 100,000 residents. This is higher than Florida’s overall average  there was compared to Florida at 142.7.²
• “Florida has among the lowest funding levels for mental health of any state.”³
• “Suicide counts are higher than homicides in 60 of Florida’s 67 counties.”⁴
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Jacksonville  in the last year, 55% were female-identifying, 36% were male-identifying, and 9% were unknown or non-binary.⁵
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Jacksonville⁵
  • Ages 18-25: 19%
  • Ages 26-34: 25%
  • Ages 35-44: 20%
  • Ages 45-64: 18%
  • Ages 65+: 4%
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Jacksonville are at a recent all-time high.⁶