The recent study by Hoffmann et al1 and accompanying editorial by Carroll and Hayes2 paint a sobering picture of the mental health system and access to care. We would like to make a few comments in response. [JAMA Network]
First, it is important to note that the while the study by Hoffmann et al focused on mental health conditions and the suicide rate, many adolescents and even younger children may require care for primary or co-occurring substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and physical health conditions.3 Co-occurring conditions may exacerbate access to care challenges.
Second, it is important to note efforts to implement needed changes, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and recently released National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care. These efforts are directly relevant to some of the challenges noted by the above authors.
Third, while money cannot be the sole metric by which to judge the nation’s commitment to supporting those with behavioral health conditions and their families or caregivers, nor serve alone as a panacea for every conceivable challenge, the importance of sustainable, ongoing, and adequate funding at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels should not be dismissed or neglected. Together, mental health and substance use account have historically accounted for 6% to 7% of total health spending, which likely does not reflect overall needs for care as identified by Hoffmann et al1 and many others.4
More> https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2802515?guestAccessKey=9d9bbe50-435b-423a-8577-56c0e544907c&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jamapediatrics&utm_content=olf&utm_term=032723
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