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.
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 for supporting the Ohio child and youth mental health project as well as our other core funders.
