A Call to Parents: Don’t Wait to Seek Help
When it comes to mental health treatment for teens or pre-teens, it’s fair to say that most parents hope it’s something their child never needs. But a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows many adolescents need mental health treatment. The reality is that millions of teens today are struggling with anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide, often in silence. Far too many believe they have to manage these heavy burdens alone, and too many parents hesitate to seek help until a crisis emerges.
Approximately 300,000 fewer adolescents who needed mental health treatment received treatment in 2024 compared to 2023. Outpatient mental health treatment, such as the programs offered by Embrace U, was the most common type of care teens and pre-teens received, followed by telehealth therapy, prescription medication, and inpatient treatment.
The report highlights an important truth, that an adolescent’s mental health is every bit as important as their physical health. More than half of all mental disorders in adulthood begin in childhood or adolescence, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Adolescents with symptoms that do not fully meet the criteria for the diagnosis of a mental disorder are at increased risk for impaired mental health in adulthood. Untreated mental health problems can have long-term effects on life satisfaction, health, education, and behaviors in adulthood. Fostering personal, family, and social protective factors early on can reduce risks and support healthier outcomes in young adulthood.
Early treatment of teens living with a mental health disorder can not only help them live a happier and healthier life as a young adult, it can save lives. By understanding no one is immune to mental health challenges, knowing what actions to take if your child begins to show symptoms of a behavioral disorder, and taking action, you can give them the tools, support, and hope they need not only to survive these difficult years but to thrive well into adulthood.
Embrace U Offers Mental Health Treatment for Teens
We provide specialized mental health treatment for adolescents through intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs. Our approach combines group-based therapy, individual counseling, family sessions, and medication management when needed, giving teens a safe, supportive place to learn coping skills, process emotions, and build resilience. With locations in Tennessee and a team of experienced therapists and psychiatric providers, Embrace U helps young people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, and other challenges find hope and healing close to home.
Connect with Embrace U today for a free mental health assessment and to learn more about our therapy programs for teens and pre-teens. Call 833-733-4325 for help now.
Anxiety: A Widespread Challenge for Teens
In 2024, nearly 1 in 5 adolescents (ages 12–17) experienced moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). That’s about 4.9 million teens nationwide. Another 23% (6 million teens) struggled with mild symptoms. While anxiety, depression, and suicidality rates declined slightly among adolescents compared to previous years, the numbers remain too significant for parents to overlook.
Depression and Its Daily Impact
Anxiety is not the only concern. 15.4% of adolescents (3.8 million teens) experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in 2024. Of those, 2.8 million reported that their depression severely impaired their ability to keep up with school, maintain relationships, or participate in daily life.
While this reflects an improvement since 2021—when over 20% of teens reported an MDE—the numbers still represent millions of families navigating serious challenges. For many teens, depression is not just “feeling down”; it disrupts their ability to function and thrive.
The Overlap with Substance Use
Mental health struggles and substance use often go hand in hand. In 2024, 20.2% of teens (5.1 million) had either depression or a substance use disorder (SUD). Among the 2 million teens with SUD, about 40% (792,000) also experienced a major depressive episode.
Teens with moderate or severe anxiety symptoms were far more likely to report substance use than their peers:
- Illicit drug use: 25.6% vs. 10.1%
- Marijuana use: 17.5% vs. 6.7%
- Opioid misuse: 2.9% vs. 1.2%
- Binge drinking: 5.5% vs. 2.4%
- Nicotine vaping: 12.8% vs. 4.3%
These numbers show that untreated anxiety and depression may increase the likelihood of unhealthy coping mechanisms—making early intervention essential.
Suicide: Still a Leading Concern
Despite slight improvements in recent years, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for adolescents aged 10–14. Parents need to understand the signs of suicidal ideation and know how to prevent teen suicide. In 2024 alone:
- 2.6 million teens (10.1%) had serious thoughts of suicide.
- 1.2 million (4.6%) made a suicide plan.
- 700,000 (2.7%) attempted suicide.
These national estimates are likely conservative, since many teens reported being unsure or unwilling to disclose their experiences. For parents, the takeaway is sobering: even if numbers are declining slightly, millions of teens are still at risk. Connecting with a mental health expert as soon as possible is key.
How Many Teens Are Actually Getting Treatment?
Even as symptoms remain widespread, less than one-third of adolescents (28.5% or 7.4 million teens) received any form of mental health treatment in 2024. Outpatient therapy was the most common option (21.3% or 5.5 million), followed by telehealth services (13.1% or 3.4 million) and prescribed medications. A very small percentage—about 1.2% (312,000 teens)—received care in correctional or detention settings.
Among teens who experienced a major depressive episode, the picture improves but still reveals gaps: 60.6% (2.3 million teens) with MDEs received treatment, most often in outpatient programs or via telehealth. Still, that leaves 40% (1.5 million teens) with significant depression who received no treatment at all.
The Unmet Need—and Why Teens Don’t Seek Help
Among the 1.5 million adolescents with depression who didn’t get care in 2024, nearly half (42.4%) recognized an unmet need for treatment. Yet stigma and fear remain powerful barriers:
- 90.5% thought they should be able to handle their struggles alone.
- 70.5% worried what others would think if they got treatment.
- 64.9% feared their privacy would not be protected.
- 58.7% didn’t think treatment would actually help.
- 56.9% believed no one would care if they improved.
- 53.7% were afraid of being committed or forced into treatment.
- 51.2% didn’t know where or how to get help.
For parents, these insights highlight why it’s critical to create a safe, stigma-free environment at home and actively guide teens toward professional support.
How Parents Can Help Their Teen’s Mental Health
While national data paints a concerning picture, the good news is that parents have a powerful role to play in changing the story. You don’t need to have all the answers. You simply need to be present, open, proactive, and willing to seek help when needed. By creating a safe environment, recognizing warning signs early, and connecting your teen to the right support, you can make a life-changing difference in their mental health journey. Parents can help their teen’s mental health by:
- Starting conversations early – Normalize discussions about stress, emotions, and mental health.
- Recognizing warning signs – Watch for withdrawal, school struggles, substance use, or major mood changes.
- Modeling help-seeking behavior – Share your own stories of reaching out for support.
- Exploring treatment options – Begin with a pediatrician, school counselor, or mental health professional.
- Persisting through barriers – Waitlists, insurance hurdles, or stigma can be discouraging, but persistence matters.
Moving Forward with Hope
The data makes one thing clear: mental health treatment for teens and pre-teens cannot wait. Anxiety, depression, and suicide risk remain pressing concerns—and untreated issues can spill into risky behaviors like substance use.
As a parent, your support can tip the balance. Open conversations, early interventions, and persistence in seeking treatment can help your teen build resilience and reclaim hope for the future.
