A new study reveals troubling disparities in mental health treatment among U.S. adolescents, with Black teens significantly less likely to receive care for depression. Researchers found that fewer than half of adolescents diagnosed with a major depressive episode (MDE) in 2022 received any form of treatment, and only 39% saw a specialist.
Using data from nearly 12,000 teens in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the study showed that 19.2% met the criteria for MDE. Among those, just 25% received prescription medication, and 30.5% accessed school-based services. But the gaps were even wider for marginalized groups.
Black adolescents had the lowest odds of receiving any mental health treatment compared to their non-Hispanic white peers, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.36. Rural teens also faced barriers, with significantly lower odds of accessing specialist care than those in urban areas. In contrast, female adolescents were more likely than males to receive treatment.
“Addressing the disparities in mental health treatment revealed by this study is crucial for ensuring a more inclusive and equitable mental health support system,” the authors emphasized.
The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to reach underserved youth, especially Black teens and those in rural communities. Without early recognition and care, adolescent depression can lead to long-term educational, health, and social consequences.
See: “Few depressed teens getting treatment, study finds” (August 20, 2025)
