Youth Mental Health in Texas
Texas is home to one of the largest youth populations in the nation—and some of the highest rates of teens struggling with mental health issues. Here's what the data shows and where families can find help.
The Scope of the Crisis
1.2 Million
Texas youth (ages 17 and younger) report having a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem—20% of all Texas children.
Source: Every Texan
500,000+
Texas youth diagnosed with anxiety or depression alone—and that number continues to grow.
Source: Nepenthe Wellness Center
42nd
Texas's ranking for youth mental health prevalence and access to care (out of 52 states/territories). High prevalence, low access.
Source: Mental Health America
74.9%
Of Texas youth with major depression receive no treatment. Two-thirds of children living with major depression get no care whatsoever.
Source: Every Texan
What Texas Students Report
The CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey captures self-reported data from Texas high school students. These numbers reveal the daily reality many teens are facing.
Persistent Sadness
Nearly half of Texas students reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row—to the point they stopped their usual activities.
Poor Mental Health
Nearly one-third of students say their mental health is "not good" most of the time or always. Among LGBTQ+ students, this rises to approximately 60%.
Suicidal Ideation
More than 1 in 5 Texas students seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year. 20% made a plan for how they would do it.
Suicide Attempts
12% of Texas students attempted suicide at least once in the past year. Rates are higher among Black (14%), Hispanic (13%), and LGBTQ+ students.
Who Is Most Affected
LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBTQ+ students are three times more likely to report suicide attempts than heterosexual students. 60% of LGBTQ+ students report their mental health is "not good" most or all of the time.
Source: Trevor Project 2024 Texas Survey
Teen Girls
Nationally, 43% of teen girls report feeling "so sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks" that they stopped their usual activities—compared to 30% of all teens.
Source: South Denver Therapy
Low-Income Families
UT Southwestern research found that youth from households earning $25,000 or less are 3x more likely to receive medication-only treatment instead of the recommended combination of medication and therapy.
Source: UT Southwestern 2025
Black & Hispanic Students
Black students (14%) and Hispanic students (13%) are the most likely to report attempting suicide—higher than the overall average of 12%.
Source: UT Charter
The Access Problem
Texas ranks last in the nation for access to mental healthcare. Even when families recognize their child needs help, finding available care is a major barrier.
2/3
of Texas counties have no psychiatrist at all
74.9%
of youth with depression receive no treatment
80%
of children with anxiety never receive treatment (national)
Why Treatment Matters
"Combination treatment [medication and psychotherapy] is the recommended option for moderate to severe depression in youth, as it targets both biological and psychological aspects of the disorder. When youth cannot access this treatment, often due to financial or geographic barriers, they may receive care that is less effective, increasing the risk for persistent depression and suicidal behavior."
Warning Signs in Teens
Mental health challenges in teens don't always look like sadness. Watch for:
Withdrawal from friends and activities
Significant changes in sleep or appetite
Declining grades or school avoidance
Increased irritability or anger
Talk of hopelessness or being a burden
Reckless or self-destructive behavior
Giving away possessions
Sudden calmness after a period of depression
If You're Concerned
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's worth having a conversation or seeking professional guidance. Early intervention makes a significant difference.
Resources for Texas Families
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text, 24/7)
- Text HOME to 741741 Crisis Text Line
- Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 — LGBTQ+ youth crisis line
Texas-Specific Programs
- • Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium — Connects schools with mental health professionals. tcmhcc.utsystem.edu
- • TX-YDSRN — Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network, improving care statewide. tx-ydsrn.swmed.org
- • 2-1-1 Texas — Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org for local mental health resources
Finding a Therapist for Your Teen
Virtual counseling can be especially accessible for teens—no transportation needed, and sessions can happen after school. Many therapists specialize in adolescent mental health.
Related Resources
Mental Health Access in Texas →
Why Texas ranks last for mental health access and what's being done about it.
Anxiety Statistics in Texas →
Data on anxiety prevalence across Texas.
Depression Statistics in Texas →
Understanding depression rates and treatment gaps in Texas.
Virtual Counseling for College Students →
Online therapy options for young adults in Texas.
Back to School Anxiety →
Support for students and parents during school transitions.
Help Is Available
If your teen is struggling, early intervention makes a real difference. Finding the right therapist is the first step.
Statistics cited are from publicly available sources and may have been updated since publication. Always verify current data with original sources. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or text HOME to 741741 immediately.