Racial/Ethnic Differences in Children’s Mental Health Services Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Issue Brief

Using a national Medicaid database, the report shows significant racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service use among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also shows that while telehealth services for mental health treatment increased during the pandemic, it was not sufficient to make-up for the overall decline in mental health service use, especially among children from minority background.

This brief was compiled and summarized by HHS/ASPE’s Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy (BHDAP). Additional research in this area is available at the ASPE Behavioral Health page and ASPE COVID-19 page.

Available Reports:

• Racial/Ethnic Differences in Children’s Mental Health Services Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Issue Brief