A long-running study tracking the mental health of U.S. adults has found that depression is far more common than many people assume, and that most of the need for care is still going unmet.
The finding comes from the CLIMB study, one of the few nationally representative studies that follows the same adults over time. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlighted the work in a feature published June 23, 2026.
What the National Study Found
Working with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, the CLIMB team has surveyed more than 2,000 adults and tracked how their mental health shifts over the years, especially through and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two numbers stand out. The study reported a threefold increase in depressive symptoms during the pandemic, and it found that two in three adults in the United States experience depressive symptoms.
Researchers also pointed to a widespread unmet need for care, meaning many people with symptoms are not getting treatment.
The research has informed substance use work as well, including a finding that 30% of Americans know someone who has died from a drug overdose.
Why the Treatment Gap Matters
A gap this size is not just a statistic. It is the reason so many people calling around for help hear long waitlists, limited openings, or confusing answers about cost and coverage.
When demand for mental health treatment outpaces supply, knowing how to evaluate your options becomes its own skill.
Depression and substance use also frequently travel together. Someone coping with untreated depression may lean on alcohol or drugs, and heavy use can deepen low mood over time.
Programs that screen for both, often described as dual diagnosis or co-occurring care, can address them in one coordinated plan rather than treating each in isolation.
What This Means for Treatment Seekers
For anyone researching rehab or mental health care right now, the takeaway is practical. You are not imagining the strain on the system, and you are not alone in feeling it.
The more clearly you can compare programs on level of care, specialties, insurance coverage for rehab, and credentials, the faster you can land on care that actually fits.
It also helps to know the levels of care available. Residential and inpatient programs offer structure and around-the-clock support, while outpatient and intensive outpatient programs let people get treatment while living at home.
Many programs offer evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with medication management when appropriate.
Finding the Right Rehab
If depression, anxiety or substance use is part of your picture, look for treatment options that screen for co-occurring conditions and explain clearly what is covered.
Rehab.com’s directory includes verified treatment centers with details on levels of care, insurance and specialties. Call
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to find rehab centers near you to compare options and connect with a treatment advisor. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
