Many Children Not Receiving Needed Mental Health Services, Study Finds

Of nearly 7.4 million children in the United States diagnosed with emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions, a disproportionate number do not get the mental health services they need because they are underinsured, according to a new report released by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The study also finds that boys, adolescents, and children from low-income families are affected by conditions such as depression or Attention Deficit Disorder at higher rates than other children, but that adequate health services for these children remain an unmet need.

The report, “The Mental and Emotional Well-Being of Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation 2007,” identified seven emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions: depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay and Tourette Syndrome. Children with these conditions can benefit from a variety of therapies including counseling and medication.

Read more here: Many Children Not Receiving Needed Mental Health Services, Study Finds — ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —.