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

Overview

Pittsburgh offers a variety of mental health resources, including crisis services, local clinics, and support groups, but challenges in accessing care persist. Cost remains a barrier for many, with 32.7% of Pennsylvania adults who needed care in 2021 citing affordability as the main issue. Additionally, 11% of adults in Allegheny County reported poor mental health for at least two weeks in the past month, underscoring the widespread need for support.

Mental health concerns are prevalent, with 39.8% of Pennsylvania adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression and 6.1% of Pittsburgh-area adults reporting a major depressive episode in the past year. While Allegheny County has a high concentration of mental health providers (445 per 100,000 people), demand continues to grow, as reflected in rising Google search trends and Thriveworks data showing diverse age groups seeking care in Pittsburgh.

Mental Health Resources in Pittsburgh

In addition to professional care, Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh.

• 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.
  • Resolve Crisis Services: Call 1-888-YOU CAN (1-888-796-8226).
  • Child and Adolescent Crisis Team Intervention Services: Call 412-864-5065

• Not-for-Profits

  • The JED Foundation
  • SAM Foundation
  • NAMI Keystone PA
  • Mainstay Life Services

• 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
  • Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: Call (412) 687-8005

• Support Groups  

  • NAMI Keystone PA support groups
  • PAAR

Other Mental Health Statistics in Pittsburgh

Mental health is a significant concern in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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 therapy¹
• 32.8% of adults in Pennsylvania reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder²
• 11.0% of adults in Allegheny County stated that their mental health was not good 14 or more days in the past month³
• In 2023, there were 445 mental providers per 100,000 people in Allegheny County³
• 14.4% of locals in Allegheny County³ bought medications for anxiety or depression in the past 12 months
• Among locals in the Pittsburgh area aged 18 or older, 6.1% (116,000 adults) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year⁴
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Pittsburgh are at an all-time high⁵
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Pittsburgh in the last year, 59% were female-identifying, 34% were male-identifying, and 7% were unknown or non-binary⁶
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Pittsburgh⁶
  • Ages 18-25: 18%
  • Ages 26-34: 28%
  • Ages 35-44: 20%
  • Ages 45-64: 17%
  • Ages 65+: 6%