Mental Health
Increase in Child Mental Health Treatment Rates in 2021
In 2021, approximately 15% of children received mental health treatment, reflecting a significant increase in the attention given to mental health issues among young populations. This increase highlights growing awareness and demand for mental health services among children and teenagers.
Demographic Disparities in Mental Health Treatment
Data indicates that older children received treatment at higher rates than their younger counterparts, with 18.9% of teenagers obtaining mental health services compared to 11.3% of younger children. Furthermore, racial disparities are evident in the treatment rates, as 18.3% of white children received mental health care, whereas only 4.4% of Asian children accessed such services. Youth of color face significant barriers to accessing mental health care, including lower health insurance coverage rates, which contribute to these disparities.
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The overuse of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has been linked to negative impacts on teen mental health. Past studies have reported adverse effects, including increased rates of anxiety and depression. In 2021, 5.8 million children were reported to have anxiety, while 2.7 million battled depression. Despite these challenges, many teens remain unaware of their ability to seek mental health assistance.
Challenges in Mental Health Care Accessibility
Research conducted by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School analyzed over 4,900 boarding episodes of youth under 17 years old over an 18-month period, from May 2020 to June 2022. This study highlighted significant challenges in mental health care accessibility, particularly for transgender and nonbinary youth who face longer boarding times and lower admission rates into mental health facilities. Nearly half of the boarding episodes did not result in admissions, with youth often staying in emergency departments for extended periods, where access to specialized mental health care is limited.
Racial and Gender Disparities in Mental Health Admissions
Data from the study revealed that Black youth were 4% less likely to be admitted for mental health treatment compared to their peers, while transgender youth faced a 9% lower likelihood of admission. Moreover, the average stay for boarded youth was two days longer than for those admitted directly. Over the past decade, there has been a 65% increase in mental health hospital admissions, emphasizing the growing need for mental health resources and equitable access for all young people.
“Many teens are not aware that they can seek help, and youth of color face significant barriers to accessing mental health care,” the study noted, underscoring the importance of addressing these disparities to improve mental health outcomes for all children.