Mental Health Research Funding Declines

Why this is here: Approximately 700,000 people die by suicide each year globally, and over half of these deaths occur before age 50.

Researchers at the International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders in Washington DC found global funding for mental health research decreased to 2014 levels in 2023. A recent analysis shows funding grew from 2014 to 2020, but then sharply declined. This is despite over one billion people worldwide living with a mental health condition, including roughly 700 million affected by anxiety and depression.

The United States funds about 80% of all mental health research. However, its National Institute of Mental Health faces budget cuts.

Investment is rising in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Wellcome, a London-based funder, spent roughly $186 million on mental health in 2025.

A new $1 million prize—the Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature—aims to boost recognition of mental health research. The prize will reward innovative, evidence-based interventions showing measurable improvements.

This single award won’t solve systemic issues, but could attract attention and funding to the field. Further research is needed to translate discoveries into accessible care.