At Thriveworks Tampa, we are committed to expanding access to quality mental health services in Tampa, and that means understanding the local landscape. Our team regularly reviews the latest local mental health research, governmental reports, and our own data to uncover trends, community needs, and all available resources. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to mental health in Tampa, Florida, and how to access care in the area.
Overview
Mental health remains a pressing issue in Tampa, where depression is the most prevalent condition, impacting 14% of residents. With 7.7% of residents reporting a major depressive episode, there is a critical need for support, though gaps in care persist. Over one-third of locals (37%) face unmet healthcare needs, and 18% of families report unmet healthcare needs for their children.
The local mental health provider ratio—480 residents per provider—adds to the challenge, despite 1.3 million Tampa residents having insurance coverage. However, 176,000 remain uninsured for mental health, highlighting access disparities.
Although search interest around mental health has recently declined, the demand for accessible care is clear. Tampa’s residents report an average of four poor mental health days per month, underscoring the ongoing need for accessible mental health resources and community support.
Mental Health Resources in Tampa, FL
In addition to professional care, Tampa 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 Tampa.
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Emergency Services
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1
- NAMI Crisis Info & Line: Text NAMI to 741-741
- Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: Call (813) 234-1234
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Not-for-Profits
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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 START to 88788
- National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text “HELP” to 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
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
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Local Support Groups
Other Mental Health Statistics in Tampa, FL
Mental health is a significant concern in Tampa, 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 Tampa, 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.
- 7.7% of locals aged 18 or older in Tampa have claimed to have a major depressive episode1
- The most prevalent mental health issue in Hillsborough is depression2
- 14% of locals were diagnosed with depression3
- Locals report having an average of 4 poor mental health days in the last 30 days3
- 37% of locals have an unmet health need (medical, dental, or mental) and do not have access to care3
- 18% of locals reported having a child with an unmet health need during the past 12 months3
- 29.1% of high school students in Hillsborough County reported having experienced mental illness in their household4
- There is one mental health provider per 450 people registered in Hillsborough County, Florida5
- Within Hillsborough County, 18% of adults under age 65 and 7% of children under 19 do not have health insurance5
- According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Tampa are at an all-time low6
- Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Tampa in the last year, 53% were male-identifying, 37% were female-identifying, and 10% were unknown or non-binary7
- Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Tampa7
- Ages 18-25: 15%
- Ages 26-34: 26%
- Ages 35-44: 21%
- Ages 45-64: 15%
- Ages 65+: 4%