One-Third of U.S. Teens Now Receiving Mental Health Support, SAMHSA Study Shows

As we navigate through 2024, we reflect on the significant strides made in mental health and recovery. The past year has brought forth valuable data and insights that are essential for our ongoing efforts to improve care and outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. The latest survey from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights substantial progress in adolescent mental health treatment.

Growing Numbers: One-Third of U.S. Teens Now Receiving Mental Health Support

Nearly one-third of individuals aged 12 to 17 received some form of mental health treatment in 2023, equating to approximately 8 million young people receiving counseling, medication, or other therapeutic interventions.

SAMHSA Administrator Miriam Delphin-Rittmon expressed satisfaction with the findings, stating, “We’re pleased to see that more people received mental health treatment in 2023 than the previous year.” This positive shift highlights the growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.

Increase in Mental Health Medication Prescriptions Among Adolescents

One notable increase was in the number of adolescents receiving mental health medications. In 2023, nearly 14% of those aged 12 to 17 were prescribed mental health medications, up from 12.8% in 2022. This rise reflects a broader trend of increasing treatment rates, which have been climbing steadily since 2009. The steady increase in mental health treatment among adolescents signals a crucial shift in societal attitudes toward mental health. SAMHSA officials highlighted that the growing acceptance and reduced stigma surrounding mental health treatment are significant factors contributing to this trend.

Major Depressive Episode Rates Among Adolescents Remain Steady

While the increase in treatment rates is promising, the survey also revealed that the rate of adolescents reporting a major depressive episode has remained relatively flat since 2021, at just over 18%. A major depressive episode is defined as a period of feeling depressed for at least two weeks, and it remains a significant concern for mental health professionals.

Substance Use Trends: Alcohol Consumption and Disorder Rates in 2023

The SAMHSA survey also shared substance use trends, with a particular focus on alcohol consumption. In 2023, 47.5% of adults and adolescents reported drinking alcohol in the past month, down from 48.7% in 2022. However, the rates of problem drinking, including binge drinking and heavy alcohol use, remained largely unchanged. About 21.7% reported binge drinking, and 5.8% reported heavy alcohol use. Additionally, around 10.2% of adolescents and adults met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

As we move forward, the continuous efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and implement effective prevention strategies will be vital. By building on the progress made and addressing the areas that still require attention, we can foster a healthier, more supportive environment for all individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.