Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how they think, feel, cope with stress, and relate to others.
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Thank you to NAMI Charlotte for providing guidance on core content as Lead Agency for this folio.
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how they think, feel, cope with stress, and relate to others.
Mental health affects everyone. A good state of mental health can lead to healthy outcomes for a person overall, while states such as anxiety or elevated stress can complicate their personal and professional life. Meanwhile, those of us living with mental illness face one of the nation’s most significant health challenges.
Mental health has been identified as a community-wide issue by healthcare providers, schools, employers, nonprofits, faith organizations and the government.
While awareness towards mental health has grown, stigma persists and challenges remain. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse disorders and youth mental health concerns are increasing.
Access to care remains a barrier across all income levels. Long wait times, staffing shortages and affordability disproportionally affect low-income and Black, Latino, and other historically underserved neighbors.
All of these challenges make early intervention critical. Equitable access to prevention, crisis services and ongoing treatment leads to improved educational outcomes, a stronger workforce, reduced healthcare costs, lower rates of homelessness and incarceration, and a greater quality of life.
Key Facts
Scroll down for key facts on Mental Health
20 percent
of Mecklenburg County adults report experiencing poor mental health for eight or more days each month
One-third
of North Carolina’s psychiatric hospital beds are empty every day because of staffing shortages
1 in 5
Mecklenburg County high school students reported seriously considering suicide
$1 trillion
How much per year the World Health Organization estimates depression and anxiety cost the global economy
14%
Net savings on health claims for employers who provide proactive behavioral health interventions for employees
No. 1
Stress is the leading cause of absenteeism, presenteeism (showing up to work mentally unwell), and turnover in the workplace
What is happening now?
The local discourse around mental health in Charlotte-Mecklenburg has shifted from general stigma to an urgent demand for reform in the wake of behavioral health workforce shortages and the nationwide youth mental health crisis.
Mecklenburg County identified mental health as one of its five priority health concerns in its 2025 Community Health Assessment, and has expanded services and programs to improve access. It is also coordinating action among schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, employers, and government, while investing in prevention, substance abuse services, and addressing the social factors that influence well-being.
Additional breakthroughs include broader access to health insurance coverage through North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion, resulting in 88,000 Mecklenburg County residents gaining access to healthcare and behavioral health services as of late 2025.
Several local nonprofits have also stepped in to provide crucial services. NAMI Charlotte offers free mental health support, online groups, education, and helps Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents navigate resources. Santé has Mobile Crisis Teams that provide intervention, keeping people out of institutional settings when possible.
Our community stands on stronger footing when collaboration is present. A coordinated approach takes into account the impact of housing, food security, and other conditions that contribute to emotional well-being.
Together, these efforts can continue to create a more connected, equitable, and resilient community.
Donate or volunteer now
To donate and volunteer with nonprofits working in AI + Community, visit SHARE Charlotte’s directory for Depression, Grief, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Therapy/Counseling/Coaching, Trauma.
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Starting points
These six organizations are good starting points for someone new to this topic.
Charlotte is home to a growing network of people and organizations who believe in building a stronger, more connected community for all.
Explore more resources below.
Explore More
fftc:FWD provides starting points and exploration options for each fftc:FWD topic. Extensive directories of nonprofit organizations working in this topic can be found through the Share Charlotte Donate and Volunteer options above. The organizations below include some nonprofits suggested by the community, but also include government agencies, private sector initiatives, collaborations, and other efforts from across sectors.
Offers counseling to families, couples, teens, adults, and organizations with a focus on healing through psychological and theological perspectives.
Provides a range of services and treatment programs to transform the lives of children facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Voluntary health organization provides a nationwide community dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
Bilingual and multicultural nonprofit offers primary care, behavioral health, health and wellness and food security.
Offers high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services for kids and adults.
Provides resources and community, helping youth and young adults grieving the death of a parent to heal, grow, and thrive.
Offers programs and opportunities that help Latina women and girls in Charlotte navigate mental health struggles, isolation, and systemic barriers.
Offers mental health services, providing holistic care grounded in science, while building awareness and acceptance through education.
Dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health by providing events, workshops, and connecting individuals to vital mental health resources.
Supports and expands access to family-centered behavioral health care for children and families.
Works to improve community awareness of youth and young adult behavioral health and mental wellness issues.
Mecklenburg County has identified mental health as a key area of focus for 2026-2028.
Provides mental health programs seeking to raise awareness, provide support, and end the stigma associated with mental illness.
Works to create awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health through engaging community events.
Provides research-informed wellness experiences designed to strengthen human connection, reduce burnout, and support long-term mental resilience.
Provides curated information specific to teens and young adults on their journey towards mental wellness and personal growth.
Works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through awareness, education and ambassadors.
Offers counseling services to children with serious illnesses, their parents and siblings.
Provides advocacy, education, support, and connections to resources for those affected by mental illness.
Provides mental health counseling and pastoral counseling to clients as they journey towards healing their minds, hearts, and souls.
Mobile Crisis Team provides intervention when mental health challenges escalate, keeping people out of institutional settings when possible.
Offers accessible, high-quality therapy to individuals who seek healing and safety.
Provides comprehensive, evidence-based and trauma-informed care for children (ages 0–18) and their families through prevention programs, mental health services, and foster care support.
Aims to help youth and their families navigate the unique pressures and mental challenges they face, fostering long-term well-being.
Tools and Resources
Everything you need in one place. Browse articles, reports, and tools that support your journey.
Lingo to Know
Every topic has its own vocabulary. Learn a few key words here so you can explore with confidence.
Behavioral health
What it Means: The state of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that affect a person’s overall well-being.
Mental illness
A medical condition that disrupts a person’s thoughts or behavior and leads to an impaired ability to function in daily life, work, and relationships.
Protective factors
Environmental factors such as supportive relationships and access to care that promote well-being and reduce the risk of mental health challenges.
Psychological safety
An environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or embarrassment.
Stigma
Negative attitudes, stereotypes, or discrimination directed toward people experiencing mental health conditions, often creating barriers to seeking treatment and support.
Trauma-informed care
An approach to care that recognizes the impact of trauma and prioritizes physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
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