Teen mental health problems are on the rise—at an alarming rate. The National Alliance of Mental Health report stated that in 2023, 17% of Texan teens (over 429,000) suffer from a mental health problem.
Sometimes teenage mental health may be brushed off as a normal part of adolescence. However, as more residential centers across Texas see an increase of teens in need of treatment, there is a gap in accessible services to support their mental health, safety, and happiness. 
Parents, educators, medical professionals, and Texan community leaders must prioritize mental health care accessibility to provide our teens with the support they need.
The State of Teen Mental Health
Texas is home to one of the largest youth populations in the nation and has some of the highest rates of teens struggling with mental health problems. One report from 2020 claims that more than 500,000 youth in Texas were diagnosed with anxiety or depression alone. These numbers are even greater if you consider teens who are undiagnosed or struggle with other mental health disorders.
The rising rates of teen mental health problems present a larger problem—an inadequate state mental health care system. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that 64.7% of Texas teens 12-17 who suffer from depression received no care. The inaccessibility of services not only affects teens, but impacts their families, loved ones, and communities.
One study by the Harvard Business Review reports some of the fastest-growing states have the worst access to healthcare. To put it in context, Texas has grown by over 4 million people in the past 10 years but ranks 42nd in healthcare. The resources are simply not growing as fast as the population, and many teens are being left behind from receiving the treatment they need.
While accessibility to resources is a critical part of the problem, there are other barriers teens face when in need of mental health treatment. Common misconceptions often heard by Texas treatment centers include:
- “We can’t afford treatment”: Many treatment centers will work with your insurance providers or create a payment plan based on your financial situation and the needs of your teen/family.
- “My teen´s mental health isn´t that bad yet”: While this may be the case, early intervention is the key to preventing problems from escalating. The sooner mental health issues are addressed, the better.
- “My teen is just going through a phase”: While it’s normal for teens to go through mood swings, this statement can be stigmatizing and downplays the very real issue of teenage mental health. Unresolved mental health issues in teens can lead to a decline in school, substance abuse, and even chronic disease.
The Struggles of Teens
Adolescence can be an exciting time for growth and self-exploration, but this period can also make teens more vulnerable to developing mental health disorders. This is influenced by fluctuating hormones, life transitions, biological changes, and other challenges unique to the teen years.
For teens experiencing conflict in the home—economic insecurity, relationship, and academic problems—the risks are further heightened. There are several mental health problems teens struggle with. These can be influenced by their genetics, hormones, or social and economic circumstances.
The two most common mental health problems in Texas that teen treatment centers see come through their doors include:
Almost half of Texan teenagers are struggling with depression or anxiety. If we consider other mental health conditions such as trauma, ADHD, or mood disorders, these numbers grow even higher.
Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues
It’s important for parents, community leaders, educators, and health professionals to be mindful of the need to provide youth with support and access to treatment.
Some common signs include:
- Low-self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Sadness, hopelessness
- Changes in sleep/appetite
- Sudden decline in school grades
- Aggression or irritability
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of suicide
What Can Parents Do
Parents should become aware of the signs of mental health issues in teens in order to help them navigate stress and maintain a healthy mental well-being. Some strategies for parents to support their teens include:
- Actively listen and validate their struggles
- Have open conversations about mental health in the home
- Ask them how you can support them
- Encourage them to get involved socially such as volunteering in the community or taking up a sport
- Reach out for professional mental health support
What Can Texas Community Leaders Do
This issue not only falls on parents, but on state leaders across Texas. There is a pressing need to create more programs and services to make mental healthcare more available to teens. This includes increasing funding and resources within both the health and education system.
Schools play a large role in recognizing and supporting teens with mental health problems. Helpful interventions include providing mental health screenings, educating teachers to recognize warning signs, and making sure there are guidance counselors in every district.
Outside of school, communities can invest in more spaces for teens to connect with each other such as recreational centers and parks, as well as providing community-based programs for high-risk teens. Other possible community interventions include teen support groups, peer mentoring, local events, and recreational programs.
What could be more important than caring for our growing youth?
Sources:
National Alliance of Mental Health. 2021. Mental Health in Texas.
Harvard Business Review. 2021. The Fastest-Growing U.S. States Have the Worst Health Care
Houston Public Media. 2022. Kids Count Data Profile Texas.
National Institute of Mental Health. 2024. Understanding the Link Between Chronic Disease and Depression.