
Louisiana Ranks 2nd Worst for Mental Health – See the Full List
SHREVEPORT, LA – Bad news for Louisiana today on the mental health front. Louisiana is one of the worst states in the country for mental health.
A report from Soliant Health evaluated all 50 states to find out how serious the problem of mental health is across the nation. The researchers took a look at jobs, physical health, access to healthy food and mental health.

How Is the Mental Health in Louisiana?
The numbers show the Bayou State has the 4th highest average number of poor mental health days compared to other states. Louisiana is also low for physical activity participation and near the bottom for access to healthy foods. Overall, Louisiana scored 23.1 out of 100 in this report.
What’s are the Best States for Mental Health?
The data puts North Dakota at the top of the list. The far northern state scored an 82.
North Dakota 82
Vermont 80.8
Nebraska 78
New Hampshire 77.2
Hawaii 72.8
Maryland 71.3
Massachusetts 70.2
Iowa 69.3
Utah 68.4
Minnesota 68.2
Soliant Senior Vice President of Education Lesley Slaughter says
A standout finding from our analysis is the clear link between a state’s disconnected youth rate and its performance in key areas like mental health and employment. Disconnected youth—those not in school or working—face greater risks of mental health struggles, including vulnerability to violence, substance abuse, and emotional challenges.
She says those young people are “more likely to encounter unemployment, poverty, and long-term mental health issues later in life.”
What Are the 10 Worst States for Mental Health?
- West Virginia — 21.9
- Louisiana — 23.1
- Arkansas — 26.6
- Nevada — 26.7
- Mississippi — 31.5
- New Mexico — 31.9
- Kentucky — 34.8
- South Carolina — 38.5
- Oklahoma — 39.7
- Texas — 39.9
Top 10 Healthiest States
Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman
What Are Healthiest and Least Healthy Parishes in Louisiana