$206.7 million investment to bolster youth mental health services nationwide as part of its Unity Agenda
On September 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a $206.7 million investment to bolster youth mental health services nationwide as part of its Unity Agenda. The funding will be allocated through three of its agencies: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of transforming mental health and substance use treatment across the country by providing equitable access to services for all Americans. Becerra stated, "We are transforming mental health and substance use treatment across the country by providing equitable access to services for all Americans."
The announcement comes in response to troubling statistics from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which revealed a significant increase in mental health challenges among American youth. In 2021, nearly 60% of U.S. teenage girls reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless—a figure that has surged by nearly 60% over the past decade. Additionally, 22% of high school students considered attempting suicide in the past year, highlighting the urgency of investing in youth mental health services.
SAMHSA will allocate $131.7 million for programs that link youth and their families to behavioral health services. This includes $5.7 million dedicated to mental health in American Indian/Alaska Native communities and $41.2 million for expanding substance abuse treatment in adult and family drug courts.
HRSA will use its $55 million portion to enhance mental health services for youth. This includes a $25 million investment for the creation and expansion of school-based health centers, as well as $19 million for training pediatricians in mental health care.
ACF has been allocated $20 million to launch the National Center to Support Mental Health Services in the Child Welfare System. This initiative aims to improve the quality of services for children involved in the child welfare system.
Overall, this multi-agency initiative seeks to significantly improve mental health services, substance abuse treatments, and specialized support for at-risk demographics, including children and families in underserved communities. Secretary Becerra stated, "The tools and resources that we are providing will help children who are struggling by meeting them and their families where they are, and ensuring there is no wrong door to behavioral health care."
