Assessing the access and affordability of mental healthcare services for adolescents in the United States

Adolescent mental health is a worsening crisis in the United States. Adding to the problem is the ability of parents and caregivers to find timely and affordable mental healthcare services for this population, one that is vulnerable to suicide, substance abuse and other devastating outcomes due to mental health issues. This research project evaluates the access and affordability of outpatient mental healthcare services for adolescents in the U.S., as well as possible causes and solutions for identified mental healthcare delivery issues. An anonymous survey developed by the author was distributed and completed specifically by parents and caregivers in the U.S., who have sought mental healthcare services for adolescents between 10-19 years of age. Survey results indicate that there are indeed problems within the insurance and medical professional industry with regard to parity between timely and affordable access to mental healthcare services compared to services for physical medical healthcare for adolescents. This causes additional stress for parents and caregivers seeking critical help for their children, while the child's mental health status declines during this time. One could argue that ethically, access to mental healthcare should not be any more difficult or costly to families than access to physical medical healthcare.