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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. 

Attend HPIO's 2026 Health Policy Summit on Aug. 26

The Summit will draw insights from HPIO’s 2026 Health Value Dashboard to focus attention on the factors that drive population health and healthcare spending and build momentum for policy priorities that lead to improved health and well-being for Ohioans.

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