---
title: "The kids are not all right: The urgent need to expand effective behavioral health services for children and youth"
description: "Children and adolescents in the U.S. are facing a mental health crisis, with rising rates of behavioral health conditions, suicide, and mental health-related emergency visits, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this crisis requires a dual approach: preventing mental health…"
url: "https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/hub/access-to-mental-health-services/the-kids-are-not-all-right-the-urgent-need-to-expand-effective-behavioral-health-services-for-children-and-youth/"
updated: "2026-07-31"
category: Access to Mental Health Services
tags:
  - Audience
  - Child welfare professionals
  - Mental health professionals
---

# The kids are not all right: The urgent need to expand effective behavioral health services for children and youth

Children and adolescents in the U.S. are facing a mental health crisis, with rising rates of behavioral health conditions, suicide, and mental health-related emergency visits, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this crisis requires a dual approach: preventing mental health problems through early intervention and providing accessible, community-based behavioral health services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income and minority children.

Integrating evidence-based mental health interventions into healthcare and education systems, increasing Medicaid and private insurance coverage, and leveraging federal funding can help expand access to treatment. Schools also play a vital role in delivering mental health care, and efforts should focus on building sustainable, equitable systems to support children's mental well-being. Comprehensive and immediate action is essential to safeguard the future health and success of America's youth.

 

[Read More](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-kids-are-not-all-right-the-urgent-need-to-expand-effective-behavioral-health-services-for-children-and-youth/)

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