Report: See where Louisiana ranks for mental health in 2025
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana ranks as the second-worst state in 2025 for mental health.
Soliant Health researchers ranked all 50 U.S. states in a study. It examined their mental and physical health, jobs, and access to healthy food.
The report says Louisiana has the fifth-lowest physical activity participation rate. The state has the fourth-highest average number of poor mental health days and the third-highest percentage of limited access to healthy food. Louisiana finished with a score of 23.1 out of 100.
Experts listed North Dakota as the best state for mental health, giving it a score of 82.
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The worst state, according to the report, is West Virginia, with a score of 21.9.
'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,' said Soliant Senior Vice President of Education Lesley Slaughter. 'They're also more likely to encounter unemployment, poverty, and long-term mental health issues later in life. This correlation underscores just how critical school-based healthcare professionals are; they don't just support students' emotional well-being but also lay the foundation for brighter futures, helping today's youth grow into thriving, healthy adults.'
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
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Report: See where Louisiana ranks for mental health in 2025
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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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