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Every day, news reports detail tragedies involving children and teens who have lost their lives as a result of suicide or violent outbursts from their peers. There are many unanswered questions regarding why these tragedies occur, and the nation’s mental health care services have been a key focus. Are children and teens getting the help they need when it comes to mental health care?

According to a new survey from the National Voices Project,  a companion survey also conducted by the NPCH team, many adults who work or volunteer with youth believe children and teens do not have access to appropriate mental health services. The availability of mental health care services was universally low across the country – even in communities where respondents said there was lots of availability for primary care and hospital care. Read the press release: Access to mental health care lacking for children, teens across the U.S.

This infographic shows disparities in access to different types of healthcare for teens. In communities where adults perceived little or no racial/ethnic inequities, adults perceived greater availability of all types of healthcare. The availability of mental health care was still the lowest among all types of healthcare measured.

We want to hear what’s going on in your community. Do you think children and teens have appropriate mental health care services available to them? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

For more information on the National Voices Project, visit NationalVoicesProject.org.