Demand for mental health services is increasing in cities across the United States, but existing resources are not even making a dent in the "crisis," according to a report released June 2 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Key findings from the "Mental Health Crisis in America's Cities and Their Responses to It" survey revealed 97 percent of the 117 mayors reported requests for mental healthcare spiked in the past two years. At the same time, 88 percent said there are not enough resources in their cities to address the growing need.
Collectively, 85 percent of the mayors pointed to substance abuse as the main reason for increased demand for mental health services in their cities across 36 states. Rounding out the top three causes for concern are COVID-19 in 75 percent of the cities and homelessness in 74 percent.
"Mayors are sounding the alarm on the mental health crisis in the U.S.," said Reno, Nev., Mayor Hillary Schieve, incoming USCM president and chair of the organization's task force on mental health. "This challenge is only growing. It has many forms and it will not resolve itself."
Ms. Schieve called on mayors across the country and federal leaders to help communities struggling with mental health demand and lack of supply of resources.
"Mental health became a more prominent topic over the past few years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which left many without community or resources to support them. As mental health problems have increased, this lack of resources grows more evident," the organization said in a June 2 news release.