Article
Medical costs for kids' mental health jumped 31% in five years, study finds
March 2024 Article from the Medical Press
A recent report published in JAMA Network Open reveals a significant increase in the financial burden on American families caring for children with mental health conditions from 2017 to 2021. The study, led by Theoren Loo from Brightline, a virtual mental health care company in California, indicates a nearly 31% rise in annual spending per child, amounting to an average of $4,361. This surge in expenditure has contributed to child mental health services comprising approximately 47% of all child medical spending, totaling an estimated $31 billion in 2021.
With over 9 million children diagnosed with mental health issues by 2021, the findings underscore the growing prevalence and demand for pediatric mental health services in the United States. The study emphasizes the necessity for improved and proactive care to address these conditions, as reflected in the associated rise in medical expenses for other family members, amounting to an average increase of $2,337. Overall, the research highlights the urgent need for accessible and evidence-based mental health care for children to mitigate the financial strain on families and the healthcare system alike.
Key Takeaways
- The financial burden on American families caring for children with mental health conditions increased by almost a third from 2017 to 2021.
- Annual spending per child on mental health care rose to an average of $4,361 by 2021, contributing to child mental health services comprising about 47% of all child medical spending.
- Over 9 million American children were estimated to have been diagnosed with mental health issues by 2021, emphasizing the growing prevalence and demand for pediatric mental health services.
- The rise in spending on child mental health care was associated with a concurrent increase in medical expenses for other family members, averaging $2,337.
- The findings underscore the urgent need for improved and proactive care to address pediatric mental health conditions before crises arise, highlighting the importance of accessible and evidence-based mental health services for children.
From the Article
Overall, American families spent an estimated $31 billion in 2021 on child mental health services, which now make up nearly half (about 47%) of all child medical spending, the report found.
The findings "underscore the large financial burden associated with pediatric mental health conditions on the U.S. health care system," said a team led by Theoren Loo. He works for Brightline, a California company focused on virtual mental health care for kids.
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