NAMI Releases Issue Brief Exploring Trends in Youth Mental Health State Policy

Sep 20, 2024

The United States is going through a youth mental health crisis, with high rates of suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depression. In 2023, more than 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 attempted suicide – rates that are even higher for at risk communities, like LGBTQ+ youth.

When mental health conditions are treated early, it can save lives and vastly improve outcomes for individuals. In the U.S., there are many opportunities to learn about, screen for and intervene early with physical health conditions; the same must be done with mental health conditions.

Trends in State Policy: Youth Mental Health highlights state legislation passed in 2023 that helps improve youth mental health care and support and includes policy recommendations that may be implemented in states across the country in the following key categories:

• Access to Care
• Mental Health Workforce in Schools
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training
• School Policies
• System Coordination and Planning

This brief is the fourth in a larger series – NAMI’s 2023 State Legislation Issue Brief Series – which examines new mental health from 2023 addressing, criminal justice, access to care, and 988 and crisis response. Read NAMI Trends in State Policy: Youth Mental Health.