Mental health is a cornerstone of happiness, health and quality of life. It reflects how well societies prevent and treat depression, anxiety and other disorders, as well as how much they invest in creating environments where people can truly thrive.
In this Foyer Global Health report, we draw on data from the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Atlas, the Global Burden of Disease study 2022 and national work-life surveys to create a composite score for each country. Our goal is to highlight best practices, reveal critical gaps and inspire policies that make mental health care more accessible while supporting happier, healthier lives.
Methodology and data sources
To ensure the ranking is both rigorous and transparent, we combined five equally weighted dimensions into a single index. First, disease burden metrics from the Global Burden of Disease study 2022 measured age-standardized rates of depressive and anxiety disorders per 100,000 people, helping to identify where psychological distress is most widespread. Second, the WHO Mental Health Atlas provided figures on the number of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers per 100,000 inhabitants, a clear indicator of a country’s capacity to provide care.
Work-life balance was the third dimension, based on average weekly working hours and statutory paid leave, using international labour market data. Fourth, we assessed daily access to green spaces for urban residents, as measured by satellite-derived greenness indices. Finally, we examined the share of total healthcare expenditure devoted to mental health, which reflects government priorities. Each element was scored on a 0 to 100 scale and averaged to produce the final score, where higher numbers indicate stronger mental health environments.
Top ranking countries in mental health care
Northern European nations consistently lead the way, combining low prevalence of mental disorders with robust healthcare systems and policies that promote happiness and well-being.
Finland (92) has integrated mental health into everyday life, from comprehensive school-based counselling that reaches almost every student to community clinics offering affordable services. Nature also plays a therapeutic role, with forests and lakes providing spaces for relaxation and recovery. Public campaigns have helped reduce stigma, while mandatory mental health education ensures awareness starts early.
Sweden (90) ensures that mental health professionals are available in primary care clinics so that any patient visit can lead to immediate specialist support. With a 36-hour work week and generous annual leave, the risk of burnout is reduced. In rural areas, mobile mental health vans ensure people outside major cities receive the same level of care as urban residents.
Norway (88) has become known for its pioneering telepsychiatry services, offering 24/7 video consultations with licensed therapists. Outreach teams also visit patients at home, while public information campaigns have significantly reduced stigma since 2018.
Netherlands (86) provides free counselling for all residents under 25, while its urban planning policies guarantee that every home is within a short walk of a green space, a factor linked to reduced depression rates.
Denmark (85) focuses strongly on prevention, with annual depression screening days, free workshops and informal “mental health cafés” where citizens can meet counsellors and peers.
Countries with solid systems but ongoing challenges
Some high-income countries deliver strong mental health care overall but still face challenges such as waiting lists, regional disparities or growing youth mental health concerns.
In the United Kingdom (72), NHS coverage is universal but waits for counselling can stretch to 12 weeks, and services vary widely between regions. Recent investments aim to improve access, with a strategy to place mental health practitioners in all secondary schools by 2026.
Canada (70) incorporates mental health checks into routine doctor visits, enabling early detection, but provincial funding differences create uneven service quality. The government’s youth strategy, launched in 2024, channels significant funding into online support and community centres.
Australia (68) has a mature Medicare-funded mental health system and the MindSpot digital clinic, which serves rural and Indigenous communities. Yet, suicide rates in remote areas remain significantly higher than in cities, prompting targeted federal programs.
The United States (65) is a global leader in mental health innovation, from virtual reality therapy to AI-driven apps, but affordability remains a major barrier. While the Mental Health Parity Act was designed to expand coverage, its implementation still varies between states.
Lower-ranking countries needing stronger support
In lower and middle-income countries, mental health often receives limited funding and public attention, resulting in workforce shortages and persistent stigma.
Mexico (45) allocates less than 1 percent of its health budget to mental health. While cities like Mexico City offer high-quality care, rural areas are often underserved.
India (42) demonstrates stark contrasts between urban and rural regions, with world-class hospitals in cities but few trained professionals in villages. A national tele-mental health program aims to close this gap by training thousands of frontline workers.
Nigeria (35) relies heavily on NGOs and community initiatives, with fewer than one psychiatrist per million people.
Pakistan (30) continues to face cultural barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Although new legislation aims to integrate mental health into primary care, implementation remains slow.
What the happiest, healthiest nations have in common
Our report shows that the most successful countries share four essential strengths. They have a well-trained professional workforce, early intervention programs in schools and workplaces, work-life balance supported by reasonable working hours and paid leave, and everyday access to green spaces, which provide both physical and mental health benefits.
Moving forward by building better mental health systems
For governments aiming to improve, the priorities are clear. Invest at least 10 percent of healthcare budgets in mental health, set limits on maximum working hours, embed routine mental health screenings into primary care, expand green spaces in urban areas and collaborate with NGOs and telehealth providers to reach underserved populations.
Conclusion
Mental health is more than a medical concern, it is a foundation for happiness, productivity and social harmony. Countries that combine strong healthcare systems, forward-thinking policies and supportive environments achieve measurable improvements in well-being. For those still building their systems, this ranking offers a practical roadmap: invest in services, reduce stigma and ensure that help is available to all who need it. If you are living abroad or planning to relocate, protecting your mental and physical well-being is essential. Discover how Foyer Global Health’s international health insurance can provide the support and coverage you need, wherever you are in the world.
