Unequal Access to Teen Mental Health Care

A recent study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights a growing concern in youth mental health: while mental health disorders among adolescents have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, access to care remains unequal across racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic teens are significantly less likely than white teens to receive mental health treatment, including prescriptions or telehealth visits.

Why This Is Important

Adolescent mental health challenges—including depression and anxiety—have risen sharply in recent years. Yet many teens from communities of color are less likely to receive professional care. This gap means that many young people are struggling without the support they need, which can affect their academic performance, relationships, and long-term well-being.

The disparity also reflects broader barriers such as limited access to culturally competent providers, stigma surrounding mental health, and fewer mental health resources in underserved communities.

What Needs to Change

Experts say expanding community-based mental health support is key to closing this gap. Peer support programs, school-based counseling, and youth mentorship initiatives can help make mental health care more accessible and reduce stigma.

Investing in diverse mental health professionals, expanding telehealth access, and strengthening community-based services will be essential to ensuring that all teens—regardless of race or background—can access the mental health support they need.