Mental health has become a critical area of focus in public health conversations, especially when it comes to the adolescent population. Over the years, there has been increased awareness and a growing push to understand and address mental health challenges among young people. For the first time in recent years, new data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals some hopeful signs: fewer adolescents are facing major depressive episodes than in previous years. However, there’s still a long way to go in terms of ensuring that those who do struggle with their mental health receive the necessary care. In this blog post, we will dive into the trends surrounding adolescent mental health, the treatment gap that persists, and how innovative companies are stepping in to help close this gap.
A Decrease in Depression, But the Treatment Gap Persists
According to the latest data from SAMHSA, approximately 4.5 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 faced a major depressive episode in 2023. While this represents a significant decrease of about 13% from the previous year, the reality is that major depression is still affecting a substantial portion of the adolescent population. Despite this positive trend, an unsettling figure emerges: nearly 40% of these young people did not receive any adolescent mental health treatment for their mental health conditions.
This data highlights a serious problem—despite a decline in depression rates, there are still large numbers of adolescents who are not getting the care they desperately need. The gap is even more concerning when we look at those who did not receive treatment despite actively seeking help. Of the young people who had a major depressive episode and did not receive care, nearly 8% tried to seek treatment but were unable to access it. This suggests that logistical barriers—such as availability of services, long waiting times, or a lack of resources—are impeding these adolescents from getting the help they deserve. Moreover, around a third of adolescents who faced a depressive episode simply did not seek treatment despite thinking they needed it.
So, what’s contributing to this gap? While there are many potential factors, one key issue is the lack of accessible, timely adolescent mental health treatment. Many adolescents face barriers such as geographic isolation, financial constraints, lack of insurance, or a stigma around seeking help. As a result, even with increased awareness about mental health challenges, adolescents are often left to navigate these struggles on their own.
The Rise of Digital and Hybrid Mental Health Services for Adolescents
The silver lining in all of this is that the behavioral health industry, particularly companies targeting youth populations, is growing rapidly to address these challenges. In the face of the treatment gap, digital and hybrid mental health services are stepping in, offering more accessible, flexible, and often more affordable options for adolescents in need of care.
One such company leading the charge is Backpack Health, a digital mental health provider that offers virtual therapy, psychiatry, and medication management services for children and teens. In May 2023, the company successfully raised $14 million in its Series A funding round to expand its services. This investment highlights the growing demand for digital adolescent mental health treatment. Virtual platforms like Backpack Health provide an opportunity to reach adolescents who might not have access to in-person services due to location, transportation issues, or other obstacles.
Another player in this space is Blackbird Health, a hybrid mental health startup focused on offering both in-person and virtual services for children and young adults aged 2 to 26. In February 2023, Blackbird raised $17 million in its Series A round, emphasizing the increasing interest and potential in the intersection of mental health care and technology. By offering a combination of digital and in-person care, Blackbird is able to cater to a wider audience, providing flexibility and ensuring that young people can receive adolescent mental health treatment on their terms.
Marble, a new business launched by Jake Sussman, the founder of mental health provider matching platform Headway, is also focusing its efforts on providing virtual therapy for teens. One of the unique aspects of Marble’s approach is its partnership with schools to help refer students to appropriate mental health care providers. Given that a significant number of adolescents spend much of their time in school, this approach ensures that mental health resources are made available to students in a familiar and accessible environment. The partnership with schools makes it easier for students to reach out for help, reducing the stigma that often surrounds seeking therapy. These innovations are critical to expanding the reach of adolescent mental health treatment to those who need it most.
The Link Between Depression and Substance Use
It’s also important to recognize that mental health issues and substance use are often intertwined. Adolescents who experience major depressive episodes are not only at higher risk for developing other mental health conditions, but they are also more likely to engage in substance use. According to SAMHSA, about 28% of adolescents who experienced a major depressive episode used illicit drugs in the past year, which is more than double the 11.6% of adolescents who did not experience depression but still used drugs.
This connection is concerning because it suggests that adolescent mental health treatment cannot be limited to depression alone. The co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and depression calls for a more holistic and integrated approach to care. Adolescents experiencing both mental health issues and substance use problems need treatments that address both conditions simultaneously. This integrated care model is essential for ensuring better outcomes for young people.
A Growing Focus on Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Recognizing this need for comprehensive care, some providers are increasingly focusing on offering treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders. Newport Healthcare, a provider focused on youth mental health, created specific programs to address substance use disorders in teens and young adults. In May 2023, Newport launched SUD-specific programs that focus on treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues that often accompany it.
Additionally, Pelago, a digital behavioral health provider, extended its services in July 2023 to include substance use disorder treatment for teens aged 15 and up. This expansion demonstrates that providers are becoming more attuned to the fact that substance use is often a secondary issue tied to mental health struggles. By addressing both mental health and substance use issues simultaneously, these providers can offer more holistic and effective care.
The Need for Integrated Care: A Holistic Approach to Adolescent Well-Being
The ongoing trend of rising mental health struggles among adolescents, paired with the fact that many of these young people are not receiving treatment, calls for urgent action. While fewer adolescents are experiencing major depressive episodes compared to previous years, the number remains substantial. Furthermore, many of these young people are not getting the help they need. The rise of digital and hybrid health services is an important step toward closing the treatment gap, but we cannot ignore the critical role of integrated care.
Adolescents who experience both depression and substance use disorders need a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions simultaneously. As more companies and providers step in to offer integrated care, we can hope to see an increase in the number of young people receiving the holistic care they deserve. By providing accessible, effective, and compassionate care, we can help young people navigate the challenges they face and set them on the path to recovery and well-being.
Conclusion: Moving Toward a More Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Care System
The challenges facing adolescents when it comes to mental health are complex, but the growing number of digital health services and the increasing focus on integrated care give us reason for optimism. However, we must continue pushing for a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system. Whether through virtual therapy platforms, hybrid care models, or specialized programs targeting both mental health and substance use disorders, we are moving in the right direction. But until we ensure that every adolescent who needs help can easily access it, the work is far from over.
Adolescent mental health treatment is a critical issue that requires attention from all corners of society—schools, health providers, communities, and families. Together, we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of our youth and ensures they have the resources they need to thrive.
