How 12 Children’s Hospitals Are Expanding Mental Health Care to Meet Growing Demand
As readers know, the United States is facing a national crisis in child and teen mental health. Roughly one in five adolescents reports symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to a 2024 KFF analysis of the Teen National Health Interview.
NYU-Stern professor Jonathan Haidt calls it The Anxious Generation, the title of his latest book. He paints a sobering picture:
- Loneliness is on the rise.
- Academic achievement is slipping.
- Young adults are approaching life with hesitation.
Milestones like dating, driving, and moving out are delayed as teens navigate an overwhelming mix of social media pressure, academic stress, and an uncertain future, according to Haidt.
Children’s hospitals across the country are responding by building upon the care they already provide. Many are expanding services with specialized mental health units, integrating screenings into routine visits, and enhancing access to telehealth services.
In an increasingly unpredictable world, these hospitals remain vital sources of stability, offering essential support for children, teens, and their families.
Read on to explore 12 notable initiatives at children’s hospitals across the country working to tackle the growing challenges in adolescent mental health: Children’s Hospitals Expand Care to Confront Adolescent Mental Health Crisis
Best regards,
Matt Humphrey
President