Mental Health Resources, Research, and Statistics in Raleigh, North Carolina

Overview

Raleigh faces a growing need for mental health services, with 24.9% of North Carolina adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression and 6.2% of adults in the Raleigh-Durham-Cary areas experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. Adolescents are also affected, with 20.1% reporting major depressive episodes. Despite the availability of local resources and a mental health provider ratio of 1 per 377 residents in Wake County, timely access to care remains a challenge for 18.3% of those in need.

Financial barriers and insurance gaps contribute to these challenges, as 10.4% of North Carolinians lack health insurance. Residents in Wake County reported an average of four poor mental health days per month, further highlighting the need for reliable support systems.

Thriveworks is proud to address this demand by providing accessible, high-quality mental health care in Raleigh. Over the past year, the largest group seeking support with Thriveworks was aged 26-34, but we offer care for individuals of all ages. As search trends for mental health in Raleigh reach record highs, Thriveworks remains committed to supporting the mental well-being of the community.

Mental Health Resources in Raleigh

In addition to professional care, Raleigh 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 Raleigh.

• 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.
  • The Hope Center for Youth and Family Crisis and Mobile Outreach Response Engagement Services (MORES): 877-888-7849

• Not-for-Profits

  • The JED Foundation
  • SAM Foundation
  • NAMI Wake County
  • Foundation of Hope
  • Our Wave

• 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
  • NCDHHS Peer Warmline: Call 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762)

• Support Groups  

  • NAMI Wake County Support Groups
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Other Mental Health Statistics in Raleigh

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

• 12% of locals reported having poor mental health on ≥14 of the past 30 days¹
• Among locals aged 18 or older in the Raleigh-Durham-Cary areas, 6.2% (94,000 individuals) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year²
• 24.9% of adults in North Carolina reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder³
• 20.1% of adolescents (ages 12-17) in North Carolina reported having a major depressive episode in the past year³
• Locals in Wake County report having an average of 4 poor mental health days in the last 30 days⁴
• Among adults in North Carolina who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, 18.3% reported needing counseling or therapy but not receiving it in a timely manner³
• In 2019, 10.4% of North Carolinians lacked health insurance, including 142,000 children⁵
• There is one mental health provider per 377 people registered in Wake County⁵
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Raleigh are at an all-time high⁶
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Raleigh in the last year, 57% were male-identifying, 35% were female-identifying, and 9% were unknown or non-binary⁷
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Raleigh⁷
  • Ages 18-25: 18%
  • Ages 26-34: 28%
  • Ages 35-44: 20%
  • Ages 45-64: 18%
  • Ages 65+: 8%