FACTS AND FIGURES
Learn about statistics, trends, and other relevant insights for behavioral health practitioners working to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for people in underserved communities.
Serious Mental Illness
Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is prevalent among the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population. In 2020, 41.6%
(3.5 million) LGB individuals were diagnosed with an SMI (e.g., bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or
schizophrenia).
1 In 2020, LGB individuals between 18-25 years had the highest rates of SMI (29.7%) as compared to those
between 26-49 years (19.7%), and over 50 years (8.3%). The prevalence of SMI has continued to rise among LGB individuals 18-49 years,
with the rates increasing between 2015 and 2020 for all age groups.1 Despite more individuals experiencing an SMI, there is a
disparate number of individuals that are not receiving treatment for their SMI. In 2020, of the 1.1 million LGB individuals 18-25
with an SMI, 32.8% received no treatment, and of the 1 million LGB individuals 26-49 years with an SMI, 34.6% received no
treatment.
1 Barriers that may lead to reluctance in seeking treatment could include discrimination in health care, stigma,
personal experience with bias and lack of provider knowledge and sensitivity.
2
In 1949, the Mental Health America organization began recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This year,
SAMHSA has created a Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit, which provides 1) social media content to help spread
awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our well-being, promote acceptance, and support of anyone
living with a mental illness, and share key resources; 2) best practices for engaging in healthy discussions about
mental health; and 3) promotional materials for mental health awareness in May and beyond.3 Learn more about
SAMHSA's recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.