The percentage of US children and teens receiving mental health treatment increased significantly between 2019 and 2021, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. The data shows that about 1 in 5 adolescents aged 12 to 17 received mental health treatment in 2021, up from about 1 in 6 in 2019.

Key takeaways

  • Mental health treatment among children aged 5 to 11 rose from 8.2% in 2019 to 10.1% in 2021.
  • Among adolescents aged 12 to 17, treatment increased from 15.4% to 20.3% over the same period.
  • Both therapy and medication use increased, with therapy being the more common form of treatment.
  • Boys and girls showed different patterns: treatment rose more sharply among adolescent girls.

What the data shows

The report, based on data from the National Health Interview Survey, examined three types of mental health treatment: taking prescription medication, receiving counseling or therapy, and a combination of both. For children aged 5 to 11, the percentage receiving any mental health treatment rose from 8.2% in 2019 to 10.1% in 2021. For adolescents aged 12 to 17, the increase was from 15.4% to 20.3%.

The increase was particularly notable among adolescent girls. In 2021, 24.7% of girls aged 12 to 17 received mental health treatment, compared to 16.1% of boys in the same age group. This gap was smaller in 2019, when 17.3% of girls and 13.6% of boys received treatment.

Therapy versus medication

Among all children and teens receiving treatment, counseling or therapy was more common than medication. In 2021, 15.4% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 received counseling or therapy, while 12.8% took medication. For younger children aged 5 to 11, 7.8% received counseling or therapy and 5.8% took medication.

The use of both therapy and medication also increased. Among adolescents, the percentage receiving both forms of treatment rose from 6.8% in 2019 to 9.4% in 2021. Among younger children, it increased from 2.5% to 3.5%.

Possible reasons for the increase

The report did not examine the reasons behind the increase, but experts have pointed to several possible factors. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted school routines, social connections, and family life, which may have contributed to greater mental health needs. At the same time, awareness and acceptance of mental health treatment have grown, and telehealth options expanded during the pandemic, making it easier for families to access care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of mental health treatment were included in the report?

The report covered three categories: taking prescription medication for mental health, receiving counseling or therapy from a mental health professional, or a combination of both. It did not include other forms of support such as school-based services or informal counseling.

How was the data collected?

The data came from the National Health Interview Survey, an annual survey conducted by the CDC that collects information on the health of the US population. Parents or guardians answered questions about their children’s mental health treatment.

Does the increase mean more children are struggling with mental health?

The report measured treatment receipt, not the prevalence of mental health conditions. The increase could reflect both a rise in mental health needs and improved access to care. Without data on the number of children with mental health conditions, it is not possible to say whether the increase in treatment fully matches the level of need.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.