Staff in these settings require additional training and technical assistance to understand the early warning signs of mental health problems, what to do about them and where to make referrals for further assistance.
It is imperative that we improve efforts around early recognition of mental health needs among children and adolescents and foster greater awareness of early warning signs. Early identification of mental health problems needs to be encouraged in preschool, childcare, K-12 education, health, child welfare, juvenile justice and substance use settings. These costs are too high to leave the mental health needs of so many of America's young people unaddressed. Untreated mental health needs among children and youth affect not only the young person and their family, but also schools, communities, workplaces and the nation as a whole. However, no agency or system usually takes responsibility for coordinating their care or prevents them from falling through the cracks and not getting needed services. Families that are poor, families of color and families with children with other disabilities or health concerns have an especially difficult time getting services that would identify, prevent and treat mental health problems.Ĭhildren and adolescents with mental health needs frequently are involved with multiple social services agencies or systems, including public health, mental health and substance use authorities, special education, child welfare and juvenile justice. Only one in five get treatment from a mental health worker with special training to work with children. Less than half of children with mental health problems get treatment, services or support. Mental health problems in young people are associated with outcomes such as suicide, substance use, inability to live independently, justice involvement, school dropout, economic hardship and physical health problems.įar too many children and adolescents lack access to needed mental health and substance use services. Approximately one out of every five children in America has a diagnosable mental health disorder.