Trends in MH Diagnosis Among Publicly Insured Children

A new study conducted by researchers at Emory University examines trends in mental health diagnoses among publicly insured children in the United States between 2009 and 2017. Conducted by researchers at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, the study highlights the growing public health concern surrounding children's mental health, especially among Medicaid populations. Mental health challenges in children are increasingly recognized as urgent issues, with early diagnosis and treatment being critical for long-term outcomes. Understanding diagnosis trends within public insurance programs is key to shaping policies that ensure equitable access to mental health care for all children.

The study analyzed more than 6 million Medicaid-enrolled children annually and found that rates of mental health diagnoses increased substantially over the study period, from 8.9% in 2009 to 13.3% in 2017. Notably, the largest increases were observed for anxiety, depression, and trauma- and stressor-related disorders. Diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorders remained more stable. The researchers also found racial and ethnic disparities in diagnosis rates, with Black and Hispanic children being diagnosed at lower rates than White children, raising concerns about potential underdiagnosis or barriers to care. These trends point to both rising mental health needs among children and systemic inequities in how those needs are identified and treated.

The findings have significant implications for future policy and practice. As mental health needs continue to rise, particularly among publicly insured youth, there is a pressing need to expand access to culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate mental health services. The study highlights the importance of strengthening early identification efforts within schools, primary care, and community settings, and of ensuring that insurance programs like Medicaid are adequately equipped to support timely access to high-quality care. Addressing racial and ethnic disparities must also be a priority, requiring policy reforms, workforce diversification, and broader efforts to dismantle structural barriers to mental health support for all children.