In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have found a significant increase in medical costs for children with mental health conditions in the United States. Over the span of five years, from 2017 to 2021, the average cost for caring for a child with a mental health condition surged by 31%, reaching an average of $4,361 per year.
The report reveals that American families spent an estimated $31 billion in 2021 on mental health services for children, a figure that represents almost half (47%) of all child medical spending in the country. This upward trend in healthcare costs underscores the substantial financial burden that pediatric mental health conditions place on the U.S. healthcare system.
The study, led by Theoren Loo from Brightline, a California-based company specializing in virtual mental health care for children, highlights the escalating demand for behavioral health services and the rising prevalence of pediatric mental health conditions in the U.S.
According to the research findings, diagnoses of mental health conditions among children aged 5 to 17 saw a notable increase of nearly 22% during the five-year period. By 2021, an estimated one in every four American children (25.9%) had been diagnosed with a mental health issue, totaling over 9 million affected children.
Household spending on child mental health services also experienced a substantial rise, climbing by approximately 31% to an average of $4,361 per year. The researchers observed a correlation between the increase in spending on a child’s mental health and a concomitant $2,337 rise in medical expenses for other family members. This association can be attributed to the impact of caregivers’ mental health on child mental health disorders.
Overall, pediatric mental health conditions accounted for $31 billion in child spending by 2021 and contributed to $59 billion in total household medical spending. The study emphasizes the necessity for high-quality, evidence-based care, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent costly emergency department visits.
The researchers stress the urgency of improving mental health services for children to address the growing prevalence of mental health challenges among the pediatric population. With effective and accessible care, the financial burden and healthcare costs associated with pediatric mental health conditions can be mitigated, ensuring better health outcomes for children and their families.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
