The following statistics are from Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General:

• Almost 21 percent of US Children ages 9 to 12 had a diagnosable mental health or addictive disorder associated with at least minimum impairment.
• Four of the 10 leading causes for disability of persons age 5 and older are mental health disorders with major depression being the cause of disability.
• Sensitivity to culture, race, gender, disability, poverty, and the need for consumer involvement are important considerations for care and treatment.
• Substance abuse is a major co-occurring problem for adults with mental disorders. Evidence supports combined treatment, although there are substantial gaps between what research recommends and what typically is available in communities.