Study Reveals Disparities in Mental Health Service Utilization Among Teens

A recent study has unveiled significant disparities in the utilization of mental health services among adolescents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds in the United States. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights critical differences in access and treatment rates across demographic groups.

Utilizing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted between 2022 and 2023, researchers analyzed responses from 23,541 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Among the participants, 5,994 reported experiencing a major depressive episode, illustrating a concerning trend in adolescent mental health.

The findings revealed that 31.7% of non-Hispanic white adolescents accessed mental health services, compared to significantly lower rates among racial and ethnic minority groups. Only 21.9% of non-Hispanic Black adolescents and 25.6% of Hispanic adolescents reported receiving any form of mental health care.

Moreover, prescription medication usage and care received in outpatient, school, and telemental health settings displayed notable variations. Telemental health visits, for instance, were reported by 17.0% of non-Hispanic white adolescents, while only 8.1% of non-Hispanic Asian, Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander adolescents and 12.0% of Hispanic adolescents utilized this service.

Interestingly, the study found minimal to no racial or ethnic differences in the receipt of mental health services from support groups, peer support specialists, recovery coaches, inpatient or residential facilities, or emergency departments. This indicates that while access to certain types of services is unequal, other forms of mental health support are more universally available.

The researchers emphasize the pressing need to enhance mental health access for adolescents belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups, calling for targeted interventions that address these disparities.

The study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the barriers faced by minority adolescents in accessing mental health care, aiming to promote equitable treatment options for all young individuals.