We invest a lot. We already spend at least $14 billion to support children’s mental health (out of a national behavioral health expenditure report of $104 billion), but a large proportion of the children and youth who need services and supports do not get what they need, as Dr. Knitzer has explained. If they get services at all, it may not be the most appropriate and there is concern that the quality of mental health services needs improvement. Prevention and early intervention services are not widespread.
Posted by Gary Holden at February 29, 2008 12:12 AM