The Biden-Harris Administration Invests $55 Million in Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health Care
Summary
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $55 million to expand access to mental health care for young people. The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that nearly 3-in-5 U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 — representing a nearly 60% increase over the past decade. It also found that 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year. The need for action on youth mental health is clear, and HRSA is taking action to address these critical needs.
“Young people need easy, readily accessible ways to get the mental health support they need when they need it,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “That’s why the Health Resources and Services Administration is investing in increasing mental health care and support in schools and in helping pediatricians meet the mental health needs of their young patients. We will continue to use our community-based programs to both expand access to care and grow the behavioral health care workforce necessary to deliver that care.”
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration (2023). The Biden-Harris Administration Invests $55 Million in Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health Care.