Disparities Exist in Mental Health Care for Youth from Low-Income Backgrounds

Recent research from UT Southwestern Medical Center has shed light on significant disparities in mental health treatment among young individuals from lower-income families in Texas. The study, part of the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN), analyzed data from 646 youths aged 8 to 20 across various clinical sites, including Children's Health. The findings reveal that youths from households earning $25,000 or less annually are more likely to receive medication-only treatment, while those from wealthier households (earning over $200,000) are more likely to receive comprehensive care combining psychotherapy and medication.

Effective treatment for moderate to severe depression in youth typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, targeting both biological and psychological elements of the disorder. However, the study found that only about 52.8% of patients received combination therapy, with a notable gap influenced by socioeconomic status. Researchers observed that youths dependent solely on medication are at higher risk of inadequate treatment, which can lead to persistent depression and increased suicidal thoughts.

The study emphasized that financial and geographic barriers often prevent access to optimal, combined treatment options. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi highlighted the importance of removing these barriers to improve patient outcomes and reduce suicide risk. Interestingly, the research showed no significant differences in treatment based on race or gender, although severity of symptoms influenced the likelihood of receiving more comprehensive treatment.

Innovative initiatives like Activ8—a telehealth behavioral activation program—are aiming to bridge these gaps by providing accessible mental health care for teens, reducing logistical and financial hurdles. Future research intends to monitor long-term treatment outcomes to further refine mental health strategies for youth.

This investigation underscores the necessity for policy and healthcare system changes to ensure equitable access to effective depression treatments for all young individuals, regardless of economic background.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-reveals-disparities-mental-health-youth.html