Publication # 2013-2 Access to Mental Health Care

Approximately one in five adolescents has a diagnosable mental health disorder, making these disorders one of the leading causes of disability among this age group.2,3 However, studies have found that most children and adolescents with mental health disorders do not seek out or receive the services that they need. Estimates suggest that between 60 and 90 percent of adolescents with mental health disorders fail to receive treatment.1 Multiple challenges exist in trying to connect adolescents with mental health disorders to the services and treatments that can help them attain a better quality of life. This Adolescent Health Highlight describes barriers to treating adolescent mental health disorders; discusses the connection between insurance status and access to mental health treatment; and explains funding for adolescent mental health services. Barriers to treating adolescent mental health disorders The societal stigma associated with mental health disorders may help explain why many adolescents do not seek treatment. Other barriers that can block adolescents from receiving mental health services include