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Posted
January 23, 2026

Graphic of the week: Child mental health care

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Data used in HPIO’s recent policy brief on child mental health in Ohio shows that from 2022-2023, among Ohio children needing mental health treatment, 38% found it somewhat or very difficult to access treatment (as displayed above). Data also shows more difficulty among individuals with private insurance.
 
”Children with commercial insurance and young children were two groups commonly mentioned by subject matter experts as frequently experiencing challenges accessing mental health care,” the brief stated. 
 
The brief is the third of four planned policy briefs in HPIO’s Ohio Child Mental Health Project, and focuses on access to mental healthcare services across levels of care. As part of the release, HPIO included a community voice spotlight on parent and caregiver experiences with barriers to child and youth mental health care.