The pediatric mental health crisis: A call to action for pediatricians

The pediatric mental health crisis: A call to action for pediatricians | Image Credit: © Seventyfour - © Seventyfour - stock.adobe.com.

The pediatric mental health crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, demanding immediate and concerted action from health care professionals, policymakers, and communities. Recent data from the CDC indicate that 1 in 7 children aged 3 to 17 years (14%) have a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. Anxiety disorders are prevalent in 10% of children, behavior disorders in 7%, and depression in 4%.¹

The financial burden on families seeking mental health care for their children has intensified. Between 2017 and 2021, costs associated with pediatric mental health care rose by nearly a third, averaging an additional $4361 per year per affected child.² This surge has forced many families into debt, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected due to existing barriers to care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges. A systematic review analyzing studies from 2020 to 2022 found increases in both internalizing and externalizing symptoms among children, primarily due to limited play activities and excessive internet use during lockdowns. Parental distress also emerged as a significant factor influencing children's mental health during this period.³

Alarmingly, the health care system is struggling to meet the rising demand for pediatric mental health services. In 2021, 14.9% of children aged 5 to 17 received mental health treatment, including 8.2% who took prescription medication and 11.5% who received counseling or therapy.⁴ Despite these numbers, many children still lack access to necessary care.

As pediatricians who are on the front lines of this crisis, it is imperative that you integrate mental health screenings into routine pediatric visits, ensuring early identification and intervention when needed. Collaborating with mental health professionals can facilitate comprehensive care plans tailored to each child's needs.

Advocacy for systemic changes is also crucial. Progress must be made toward policies that increase funding for mental health services, expand insurance coverage, and address socioeconomic disparities that hinder access to care. Community engagement initiatives can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being among children and adolescents.

The pediatric mental health crisis is a multifaceted challenge that requires a unified response. By leveraging your positions as health care providers, you can drive meaningful change, ensuring that all children receive the mental health support they need to thrive.

References:

1. Data and statistics on children's mental health. CDC. January 31, 2025. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html?utm

2. Zapata K. The rising cost of mental health care is putting a strain on families. Parents. January 27, 2025. Accessed January 30, 2025. https://www.parents.com/the-doctor-is-out-how-financial-barriers-prevent-many-families-from-accessing-mental-health-care-8762774?utm

3. Fellin LC, Fantasia V, Callaghan JEM. Editorial: children and young people's mental health in a “post-pandemic” age. Frontiers. June 25, 2024. Accessed January 30, 2025. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1447398/full?utm

4. Zablotsky B, Ng AE. Mental health treatment among children aged 5-17 years: United States, 2021. CDC. June 2023. Accessed January 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db472.htm