Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Services Persist Among US Adolescents

Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health services remain a pressing concern among US adolescents. According to a recent study, significant differences exist in the use of mental health services among adolescents from different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open, highlights the need for improved access to mental health care for minority adolescents.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that 5,994 adolescents aged 12-17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode, with a significantly lower percentage of mental health visits among racial and ethnic minority groups.
• The percentage of adolescents receiving any mental health visit was 31.7 percent among non-Hispanic White adolescents, compared to 21.9 percent among non-Hispanic Black adolescents and 25.6 percent among Hispanic adolescents.
• Significant differences were seen in prescription medication use and receipt of care in outpatient, school, and telemental health settings, with non-Hispanic White adolescents more likely to receive telemental health visits.
• There were few to no racial or ethnic differences in the receipt of mental health services from support groups, peer support specialists, recovery coaches, inpatient or residential settings, or emergency departments.
• However, access to mental health services varied across racial and ethnic groups, with significant disparities in the use of telemental health services.

Statistics:

• 5,994 adolescents aged 12-17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode.
• 31.7 percent of non-Hispanic White adolescents received any mental health visit.
• 21.9 percent of non-Hispanic Black adolescents received any mental health visit.
• 25.6 percent of Hispanic adolescents received any mental health visit.
• 17.0 percent of non-Hispanic White adolescents received telemental health visits.
• 8.1 percent of non-Hispanic Asian, Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander adolescents received telemental health visits.
• 12.0 percent of Hispanic adolescents received telemental health visits.

Sources:

• Ma, Y., et al. (2022-2023). Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adolescent Members of Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. JAMA Network Open. Abstract/Full Text