Mental health care systems worldwide are falling short, with 49% of people rating them as fair or poor, according to new research by the EY organization. This is worse than ratings for general health care systems, which 42% of respondents ranked as fair or poor.
The findings come from the EY Global Consumer Health Survey, conducted across six countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US. The goal of the survey is to provide insight into the changing global health landscape and help leaders design better, more innovative care models.
Kim Dalla Torre, EY Global and Americas Health Leader, said the survey shows a worrying global picture of mental health care. “Mental illness affects all layers of society, and many health systems are under pressure as anxiety, depression, and loneliness rise,” she said. “There’s a serious lack of investment in mental health prevention, and the cost is still being paid—just in other ways.”
Dalla Torre believes digital tools could transform mental health care by offering better insight into patients and creating more connected care systems. She emphasized the need to shift spending from crisis care to prevention.
Despite 90% of respondents being open to using mental health services, many still lack faith in the system. One-third believe they can manage their mental health issues alone. Australians are the most likely to use mental health services (57%), while only 44% of people in the UK do. Younger people are also more willing to seek help—65% of Gen Z compared to just 33% of baby boomers.
However, barriers remain. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) do not believe mental health professionals would help. Another 20% are unsure how or where to get support, and 18% say the available information is hard to understand.
Cultural and access issues continue to block care. Fear of stigma stops 25% of people from seeking help, while financial concerns are another major hurdle.
The study highlights an urgent need for clearer access, better education, and a stronger focus on mental health support around the world.
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