Spending on mental health services for children and adolescents has risen by more than one-quarter since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to rise even as the use of telehealth plateaued, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Spending on mental health for people aged 19 and younger rose by 26% from March 2020 to August 2022 among a large group whose families have employer-provided insurance. During the same period, use of mental health services increased by 22%.
The study found that use of telehealth for pediatric patients increased more than 30-fold during the early months of the pandemic and remained at 23 times normal by August 2022, even as in-person care reached 75% of pre-pandemic levels. The findings are published by the journal JAMA Network Open.
This article delves into a study highlighting a significant increase in mental health spending for children and adolescents since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study underscores the rising demand for mental health services and the need for enhanced funding to cater to the growing mental health challenges the youth face during these trying times. It emphasizes the necessity for accessible, affordable, and specialized mental health support to address the escalating concerns effectively.
The article elaborates on the study’s findings, pointing out the surge in mental health expenditure dedicated to children and adolescents, reflecting the pressing need to prioritize their mental well-being. The pandemic-induced disruptions in routines, social isolation, and academic pressures have contributed to a rise in mental health issues among the youth.
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