Mental health care access improves for teens, disparities still exist

According to survey results from the University of Michigan National Voices Project, mental health care services were more accessible for teens in 2014 vs. 2012, though accessibility varied across communities.

“With support and collaboration from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation through the America Healing Initiative, researchers at the University of Michigan are leading the National Voices Project from 2011 to 2016,” study researchers Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP, of the University of Michigan, and colleagues wrote. “The central goals of the [National Voices Project] are to examine the sources of racial/ethnic inequality and other disparities for children in the United States today and identify interventions that address disparities effectively.”

Researchers surveyed 2,147 adults from 48 states and the District of Columbia who work or volunteer on behalf of children.

In 2014, 40% of adults reported teens had significant access to mental health care, compared with 30% in 2012.

Fifty-nine percent of adults reported primary care was significantly accessible for teens in 2014.

Adult perceptions of mental health care accessibility varied across communities, according to researchers. In communities that perceived some or many racial/ethnic inequalities, 35% of adults reported teens had significant access to mental health care. Nevertheless, this was an increase from 24% reported in 2012.

In communities that perceived few or no racial/ethnic inequalities, 54% of adults reported teens had significant access to mental health care, compared with 39% in 2012.

“Access to mental health care for teens remains a problem,” Davis said in a press release. “The good news is that adults are seeing improvements in access for teens in their communities in comparison with 2012. However, the bad news is that they are still seeing significant disparities in health care access for teens in communities where they perceive racial and ethnic inequities.”

Davis also emphasized that accessibility of mental health care should be comparable to primary care. “Given how common mental health concerns are among adolescents, improving access to behavioral services is as important as enhancing access to primary care,” he said. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

Reference:

Davis MM, et al. Health, nutrition and healthcare availability, National Voices Project, 2014. Available at: http://nationalvoicesproject.org/healthcare-availability-2014. Accessed May 28, 2015.