Mental Health Resources, Research, and Statistics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Overview

Philadelphia is home to a wide range of mental health resources, including emergency services, clinics, and support groups, yet many residents face barriers to care. Cost remains a significant hurdle, with 32.7% of Pennsylvania adults who needed mental health care in 2021 citing affordability as the main issue. Additionally, 10% of Philadelphia County residents under 65 lack health insurance, limiting access to necessary support.

Mental health conditions are prevalent, with 39.8% of Pennsylvania adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, and 5.9% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. While the city has one mental health provider per 290 residents, the need for care continues to grow, as evidenced by increasing search trends for mental health topics and Thriveworks’ data showing a diverse range of age groups seeking help in Philadelphia.

Mental Health Resources in Philadelphia

In addition to professional care, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

• Emergency Services 

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 711 and then press 9-8-8, or text 9-8-8
  • Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 (Available 24/7)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1.

• Not-for-Profits

  • The JED Foundation
  • SAM Foundation
  • NAMI Philadelphia
  • PMHCC
  • Women Against Abuse
  • Three Little Birds Perinatal

• Local Clinics and Hotlines 

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Text or call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: Text or Call 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) or chat here
  • Local Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: Call (866) 723-3014

• Support Groups  

  • NAMI Philadelphia Support Groups
  • Family Resource Network
  • Healthy Minds Philly

Other Mental Health Statistics in Philadelphia

Mental health is a significant concern in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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.

• Of all of the adults in Pennsylvania who did not receive needed mental health care in 2021, 32.7% reported it was due to cost¹
• 39.8% of adults in Pennsylvania reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, and 25.7% were unable to get needed counseling or therapy.¹
• 32.8% of adults in Pennsylvania reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder²
• Among adults aged 18 or older in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, 5.9% (260,000 adults) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year³
• In Philadelphia County, locals reported that their physical health was not good on 4.1 of the previous 30 days⁴
• In 2023, there was one mental health provider per 290 people registered in Philadelphia County⁴
• 10% of locals in Philadelphia County under the age of 65 and 4% under the age of 19 do not have health insurance⁴
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Philadelphia are at an all-time high⁵
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Philadelphia in the last year, 58% were female-identifying, 36% were male-identifying, and 6% were unknown or non-binary⁶
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Philadelphia⁶
  • Ages 18-25: 19%
  • Ages 26-34: 29%
  • Ages 35-44: 22%
  • Ages 45-64: 17%
  • Ages 65+: 5%