Ohio Child Mental Health Project
About half of all mental health conditions begin by the mid-teen years and three-quarters begin by the mid-twenties, and they often continue into adulthood. Ohio has higher rates of many mental health conditions compared to the U.S. overall, and these rates are worsening over time.
Led by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio and informed by a multi-sector advisory group, this project includes four policy briefs exploring:
- Prevalence data of various mental health conditions
- Factors that contribute to mental health challenges for young Ohioans
- Access to mental health care services among Ohio children and youth
- The influences of health insurance and treatment costs on access
This work builds on a wide body of analysis focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
For more information about the Child and Youth Mental Health Advisory Group or this project, please email Becky Carroll (bcarroll@hpio.net).
Released publications
Brief 1: Mental health conditions among Ohio children and youth
Released December 2024
This brief includes prevalence estimates of some of the most common mental health conditions affecting children and youth. The data shows considerable disparities, especially by family income, sex, LGBTQ+ identity and disability status. Understanding this data, and engaging children, youth and their parents and caregivers, can lay the foundation for action and policy change.
Brief 2: Factors contributing to child and youth mental health struggles
Released July 2025
This brief describes how each factor influences child and youth mental health, the extent to which it exists in Ohio and what the state is doing to address it. Finally, it presents a variety of policy options that could be implemented to address each topic.
Brief 3: Access to mental health for Ohio children and youth
Released December 2025
This brief focuses on access to mental healthcare services across levels of care.
Brief 4: Insurance coverage and affordability of mental healthcare for Ohio children and youth
Released June 2026
This brief examines health insurance coverage, cost of care and how they influence access to mental health services. Released with this brief is an explainer on federal and state mental health parity laws.
Facts and Figures
Use HPIO graphics and data in your work. To use the data graphics in your presentations, click here to access the slides on Google Drive, click “File” and then “Download.” This will allow the option to download individual slides or the full deck into PowerPoint slides, a jpg, pdf or other available media files.
Funders
HPIO is grateful to the Harmony Project and the Woodruff Foundation for supporting the Ohio child and youth mental health project, as well as our core funders.
