Parents Across the U.S. Report Difficulty Finding Mental Health Care for Their Child

As per the <strong><em>American Psychological Association (APA)</em></strong>, only 58.5 per cent of US teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need, as per the report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Another <strong><em>National Institutes of Health (NIH, US) </em></strong>report notes that the most <span>mental health</span> disorders among children ages 3 to 17 in 2016 to 2019 were attention deficit disorder (9.8%, approximately 6 million), anxiety (9.4%, approximately 5.8 million), behavior problems (8.9%, approximately 5.5 million), and depression (4.4%, approximately 2.7 million). For adolescents, depression is concerning because 15.1% of adolescents ages 12-17 years had a major depressive episode in 2018-201. 

However, not all are able to receive the help, in fact, parents too find themselves struggling when it comes to helping their children. 

Despite growing concern about a mental health crisis among young people in the United States, a large national study suggests the care system continues to fall short for many families.

Researchers from the <strong><em>Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute</em></strong> in Boston found that nearly one quarter of children who require mental health treatment are not receiving it.

The findings come from survey data collected from more than 173,000 households between June 2023 and September 2024.

<h2>Many Families Recognize the Need but Cannot Get Help</h2>

The analysis showed that about one in five households, or 20 per cent, had at least one child who needed mental health support. Yet among those families, nearly 25 per cent said those needs were not met.

Even families that eventually obtained care often faced significant hurdles. Nearly 17 per cent described the process as difficult and exhausting.

The research letter was published February 16 in<em> JAMA Pediatrics</em>.

<h2>Household Structure Shapes Access</h2>

The study found that family circumstances strongly influenced how easy it was to navigate the health care system.

Families with multiple children reported higher unmet needs at 28 per cent, compared with 21 per cent in households with only one child. Single parent households also reported more difficulty securing appointments.

Education setting played a role as well. Homeschooled children had higher unmet needs at 31 per cent compared with 25 per cent among children attending public school. Researchers suggest this may reflect the absence of school counselors and other school based support systems.

Insurance and finances created additional barriers. About 40 per cent of families covered by Medicaid or without insurance said they could not get care specifically because it was too hard to access.

In a news release, lead author Alyssa Burnett said nearly one quarter of parents reported that at least one child did not receive needed <span>mental health care</span>, highlighting persistent access gaps.

<h2>Cost, Availability and Logistics Remain Major Obstacles</h2>

Researchers noted several common barriers. Families cited treatment costs, a shortage of clinicians and logistical issues such as scheduling and travel.

The study also found disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Families from minority backgrounds had higher rates of unmet needs compared with non Hispanic white households. However, Black households reported less difficulty accessing care at 13 per cent compared with 17 per cent among white households.

<h2>Bringing Care Closer to Families</h2>

Experts involved in the study say improving access may require shifting where care is delivered.

Senior author Hao Yu, an associate professor of population medicine at the institute, said states should expand the child mental health workforce and integrate mental health services into primary care settings to remove barriers and improve access to needed treatment.

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As per the American Psychological Association (APA), only 58.5 per cent of US teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need, as per the report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another National Institutes of Health (NIH, US) report notes that the most mental health disorders among children ages 3 to 17 in 2016 to 2019 were attention deficit disorder (9.8%, approximately 6 million), anxiety (9.4%, approximately 5.8 million), behavior problems (8.9%, approximately 5.5 million), and depression (4.4%, approximately 2.7 million). For adolescents, depression is concerning because 15.1% of adolescents ages 12-17 years had a major depressive episode in 2018-201. However, not all are able to receive the help, in fact, parents too find themselves struggling when it comes to helping their children. Despite growing concern about a mental health crisis among young people in the United States, a large national study suggests the care system continues to fall short for many families.Researchers from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute in Boston found that nearly one quarter of children who require mental health treatment are not receiving it.The findings come from survey data collected from more than 173,000 households between June 2023 and September 2024.Many Families Recognize the Need but Cannot Get HelpThe analysis showed that about one in five households, or 20 per cent, had at least one child who needed mental health support. Yet among those families, nearly 25 per cent said those needs were not met.Even families that eventually obtained care often faced significant hurdles. Nearly 17 per cent described the process as difficult and exhausting.The research letter was published February 16 in JAMA Pediatrics.Household Structure Shapes AccessThe study found that family circumstances strongly influenced how easy it was to navigate the health care system.Families with multiple children reported higher unmet needs at 28 per cent, compared with 21 per cent in households with only one child. Single parent households also reported more difficulty securing appointments.Education setting played a role as well. Homeschooled children had higher unmet needs at 31 per cent compared with 25 per cent among children attending public school. Researchers suggest this may reflect the absence of school counselors and other school based support systems.Insurance and finances created additional barriers. About 40 per cent of families covered by Medicaid or without insurance said they could not get care specifically because it was too hard to access.In a news release, lead author Alyssa Burnett said nearly one quarter of parents reported that at least one child did not receive needed mental health care, highlighting persistent access gaps.Cost, Availability and Logistics Remain Major ObstaclesResearchers noted several common barriers. Families cited treatment costs, a shortage of clinicians and logistical issues such as scheduling and travel.The study also found disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Families from minority backgrounds had higher rates of unmet needs compared with non Hispanic white households. However, Black households reported less difficulty accessing care at 13 per cent compared with 17 per cent among white households.Bringing Care Closer to FamiliesExperts involved in the study say improving access may require shifting where care is delivered.Senior author Hao Yu, an associate professor of population medicine at the institute, said states should expand the child mental health workforce and integrate mental health services into primary care settings to remove barriers and improve access to needed treatment.

parents across the u.s. report difficulty finding mental health care for their child

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