Maryland ranks fourth in nation for youth mental health care, report

BALTIMORE, MD—A new national report from the teletherapy staffing agency VocoVision ranks Maryland as the fourth-best state in the country for youth mental health support for the 2025-26 school year.

While the report indicates that less than half of U.S. children in crisis receive the care they need, Maryland stands out for its proactive approach, outpacing national averages in several key metrics.

According to the study, 54% of Maryland youths who experienced a mental health episode in the past year received the necessary care, a rate that is the seventh highest in the nation and well above the national average of 44.3%. The state also slightly exceeds the projected demand for school counselors, providing 7% more than are required, ranking 13th nationally.

The report also highlights Maryland’s mental health provider ratio, with one provider for every 335 people, placing it at 20th in the nation. Additionally, with only 13.8% of students attending rural schools, most students have greater access to mental health and therapy resources.

“Maryland is demonstrating what it looks like when states prioritize children’s mental health,” said Jessica Marlow, Vice President of VocoVision. “While millions of kids across the country are starting the school year already at a disadvantage, Maryland has built a system where students are far more likely to get help quickly, potentially changing the course of their academic and personal lives.”

The report, which combines data from federal agencies to create a state-by-state index, ranked Connecticut, Illinois, and Massachusetts as the top three states for youth mental health care. Maryland was followed by Rhode Island, Louisiana, Wyoming, New York, New Jersey, and California to round out the top 10.

Top 10 Best States for Youth Mental Health Care in 2025-26