Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adolescent Mental Health Service Usage

Recent research highlights notable racial and ethnic disparities in the utilization of mental health services among teenagers in the United States. A study published on June 18, 2025, in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2022-2023), involving 23,541 adolescents aged 12 to 17. The findings reveal that while approximately 31.7% of non-Hispanic white teens with a major depressive episode accessed mental health services, this figure was significantly lower among minority groups—only about 21.9% for non-Hispanic Black teens and 25.6% for Hispanic teens. The study also found disparities in the types of care received, including outpatient visits, prescriptions, and support via school, outpatient, and telehealth settings. Notably, telehealth services were used by 17% of non-Hispanic white adolescents, compared to lower rates of around 8-12% among Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic teens. However, there were few differences across groups in support from peer groups, inpatient or emergency services. The researchers emphasize that these disparities point to an urgent need to improve access to mental health care for racial and ethnic minority youth. Addressing these gaps is essential for ensuring equitable mental health support for all adolescents.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-racial-ethnic-differences-teens-mental.html