Mental Health Impact Tracker
Zócalo Health · Los Angeles, CA
Last updated: 2026-05-17
Source: NPR
Crisis level: Elevated — sharp increases across all metrics since ICE enforcement began
Anxiety Screening Positive
34%
↑18% increase
Depression Screening Positive
28%
↑22% increase
Suicidal Ideation Reported
9%
↑15% increase
Patients Screened (Monthly)
1,247
↑5% increase
Follow-up Referrals
412
↑12% increase
Monthly Screening Results
| Month ↓ | Screened | Anxiety + | Depression + | Suicidal Ideation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | 1247 | 420 | 350 | 112 |
| Jan 2026 | 1200 | 340 | 280 | 100 |
| Oct 2025 | 1150 | 290 | 230 | 80 |
| Jul 2025 | 1100 | 250 | 200 | 65 |
| Apr 2025 | 1020 | 210 | 160 | 50 |
| Jan 2025 | 980 | 180 | 140 | 40 |
Age Group Breakdown
0-1728% anxiety
Depression: 22%Suicidal: 12%
18-3438% anxiety
Depression: 32%Suicidal: 10%
35-6430% anxiety
Depression: 26%Suicidal: 8%
65+22% anxiety
Depression: 18%Suicidal: 5%
Rates based on screenings in Q1 2026. Children show highest suicidal ideation rate.
From the News
“As the Trump administration's immigration crackdown stretches into its second year, researchers and health care workers say that it is creating a mental health crisis in immigrant communities. Data from Zócalo Health, shared exclusively with NPR, shows a sharp rise in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among patients.”
Read full NPR article →