Mental health conditions among Ohio children and youth

In recent years, rates of mental health conditions have increased among Ohio children and youth. Childhood mental health conditions are associated with an increased risk of chronic physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), continuing mental health problems and worse employment outcomes in adulthood. 

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.

3 key findings for policymakers

• Many Ohio children and youth are experiencing mental health challenges, especially those belonging to certain groups, such as Ohioans with low incomes and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
• Ohio has higher rates of many mental health conditions compared to the U.S. overall, and these rates are worsening over time.
• About half of all mental health conditions begin by the mid-teen years and three-quarters begin by the mid-twenties and often continue into adulthood.

HPIO’s child and youth mental health policy brief series

This data brief is the first in a series of four planned HPIO publications on child and youth mental health. Other briefs will address:

• Brief 2: Factors contributing to child and youth mental health struggles
• Brief 3: Access to child and youth mental health care services
• Brief 4: The influences of cost and health insurance on child and youth mental health care access

Support for this project was provided by the Harmony Project and HPIO’s other core funders.