The youth mental health crisis in the United States has become an urgent and complex issue. According to the CDC, over 40% of high school students reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021, while nearly one-third experienced poor mental health that year. This alarming data highlights just how deep the adolescent mental health crisis runs and the critical need for effective solutions.
As the youth mental health crisis worsens, demand for behavioral health services has surged. However, adolescents and their families face numerous barriers to accessing care, including provider shortages and insurance complications. To better understand how the healthcare industry is adapting, Behavioral Health Business recently spoke with Alex Stavros, CEO of Embark Behavioral Health — a leader in youth-focused behavioral health care.
In this article, we delve into the insights shared by Stavros regarding the biggest challenges in responding to the adolescent mental health crisis, how Embark is expanding access to care, and key trends in payer-provider relationships. This discussion sheds light on how organizations can meet the growing needs of young people amid this crisis.
Understanding the Challenges of the Youth Mental Health Crisis
The youth mental health crisis presents multiple obstacles, beginning with awareness and stigma. Stavros explains that many parents struggle to recognize whether their child is experiencing typical stress or a more serious mental health disorder.
“Awareness around youth mental health issues remains limited,” he says. “It can be hard for families to know when anxiety or sadness has crossed the threshold and requires professional treatment.”
Stigma compounds this problem, creating a double barrier for youth and their caregivers. Mental health stigma exists both for the young person and for their parents, who may feel ashamed or judged when seeking help.
“The stigma around mental health delays many from accessing care, worsening the youth mental health crisis,” Stavros adds.
Even when families overcome stigma, finding providers remains challenging. Shortages of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists mean long waitlists, especially for specialized programs such as therapeutic day treatment or residential care.
Expanding Access: Embark’s Response to the Youth Mental Health Crisis
To address the urgent needs caused by the youth mental health crisis, Embark focuses on building a comprehensive continuum of care. Stavros emphasizes that effective treatment means intervening at the right time and place with the least restrictive level of care.
“Our goal is to offer programs locally so families don’t have to travel far, ensuring geographic and financial accessibility,” Stavros says.
Embark provides a range of services from outpatient therapy to long-term residential care, expanding capacity to meet the growing demand caused by the adolescent mental health crisis. This approach helps reduce hospitalizations and supports youth in familiar environments.
Payers and the Future of Behavioral Health in the Youth Mental Health Crisis
As the youth mental health crisis escalates, payers are increasingly focused on improving access and efficiency. Stavros notes that payers want faster enrollment processes and closer collaboration with providers.
While value-based care is seen as the future, the transition remains slow due to limited data and experience in the behavioral health space.
“Moving toward value-based care will help ensure high-quality, cost-effective treatment that addresses the adolescent mental health crisis in a sustainable way,” Stavros explains.
Growth with a Focus on Quality During the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Embark’s growth strategy prioritizes quality over speed to maintain a consistent culture and deliver effective care. Stavros prefers building programs from scratch rather than rapid acquisition to keep the focus on outcomes in the midst of the adolescent mental health crisis.
“Our emphasis on culture and quality is essential to scaling our services while responding responsibly to this crisis,” he says.
Conclusion
The youth mental health is one of the most pressing health challenges facing the nation today. Through expanding local access, partnering with payers on innovative models, and growing thoughtfully, providers like Embark Behavioral Health are helping to meet the escalating needs of youth and their families.
With nearly half of teens experiencing significant mental health challenges, addressing this crisis requires sustained commitment across the healthcare system. Organizations must continue to adapt and innovate to support the well-being of the next generation.
