New Research Highlights Mental-Physical Health Connection and
Opportunities to Expand Mental Health Support
SAN FRANCISCO – May 5, 2025 – A new survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Doctor On Demand by Included Health, validates Included Health’s enduring perspective that mental health, physical health, and financial health are inextricably linked. The study of 2,000 U.S. adults reveals that financial anxiety is surging, with more than two-thirds of respondents saying it’s at an all-time high. The research underscores the mounting need for comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare solutions that address this interconnectedness—the core of Included Health’s personalized all-in-one care model that improves health outcomes, removes unnecessary costs, and supports individuals and families nationwide.
Financial Anxiety and Cost Barriers Are Worsening America’s Mental Health
The survey reveals that financial stress significantly impacts mental health, and that organizations failing to destigmatize and support mental healthcare are falling short, especially for working-age Americans:
- While money-related worries affect all generations, financial stress disproportionately impacts younger and middle-aged adults: 71% of Gen Z, 68% of Millennials, and 69% of Gen X report experiencing anxiety over finances, compared to 55% of Baby Boomers and 31% of the Silent Generation (age 80 and up).
- Seventy-six percent (76%) of Americans feel alone in managing money-related worries, and one in five (20%) report a decline in their mental health over the past year.
- The cost of healthcare itself is a barrier to mental well-being, with 33% saying healthcare affordability has negatively impacted their mental health in the past year and 29% citing it as the main obstacle to seeking professional care. Despite the need, only 14% of respondents are currently receiving therapy or counseling services.
- The strain is affecting daily life, with 40% having taken a mental health day—over half (52%) of whom felt compelled to lie about their reason for absence.
“At a time when financial stress is meaningfully impacting mental well-being, access to mental health services should not be another source of anxiety,” said Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health. “People deserve clear, affordable pathways to support. At Included Health, we are committed to guiding individuals, both through their benefits in partnership with employers and directly with our Doctor On Demand service, to reduce as many barriers to healing and wellness as possible.”
Move Toward Integrated Care Addresses the Whole Person
Despite ongoing systemic challenges, most Americans are finding ways to prioritize their mental health, with 70% of respondents recognizing a strong connection between their mental and physical health. According to the data, 71% of respondents engage in physical activity at least weekly as a way to manage their mental health, and five in ten people are focusing on addressing physical needs such as getting enough sleep (48%), exercising (48%), and spending quality, in-person time with loved ones (46%) to improve mental health.
“Americans aren’t just acknowledging the importance of addressing their mental and physical health holistically—they’re reshaping their daily lives around it,” Udall said. “More people are recognizing how deeply mental, physical, and even financial health are intertwined. That’s why expanding access to high-quality, affordable care that treats the whole person is more critical than ever. Lasting wellness depends on supporting every aspect of an individual—what we at Included Health call mind, body, and wallet support.”
Included Health is meeting these challenges by providing high-quality care that spans physical and mental health, along with system-wide navigation support to help individuals make the most of their healthcare benefits and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Included Health’s model is uniquely informed by quality and outcomes data, AI, and each individual’s benefits and health history. The result is holistic care for the mind, body, and wallet of millions of people nationwide.
“While it’s encouraging that people are taking proactive steps to prioritize their mental health, complementing these habits with affordable mental healthcare services—when appropriate—that are attuned to an individual’s physical, mental, social, and financial needs is what our healthcare system should strive for,” said Ami Parekh, M.D., J.D., chief health officer at Included Health. “Only by providing holistic care can we ensure individuals and families across the country are being cared for, especially during times of high stress.”
Learn more about how Doctor On Demand by Included Health provides better access and better care for every mental health need.
About Included Health
Included Health is a new kind of healthcare company that delivers personalized all-in-one healthcare to millions of people nationwide. We provide healthcare access, answers, and advocacy through a modern experience designed to treat people better—mind, body, and wallet. It’s all included: comprehensive virtual and in-person care, system-wide navigation and care coordination, and 24/7 support for every clinical and administrative need. Our members see better doctors, experience better outcomes, and have more healthy days, all at lower cost. Learn more at includedhealth.com.
Survey Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by Doctor On Demand by Included Health and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 31 – April 3, 2025.
Contact
Included Health
Lara Key
press@includedhealth.com