Equipping members with content to support children’s mental healthcare

Generational impacts of COVID and social media

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns disrupted the routines of children and families around the world and contributed to mental health challenges. Initial studies conducted during the pandemic indicated worse mental health outcomes, and were worse for families of low socioeconomic status and who lived in small homes. Children who had experienced infection had increased levels of anxiety, depression, and appetite problems.

Studies on the mental impact of this generation of children and youth will likely be conducted for years to come, and will need to be performed respective to the different experiences among age groups. Even as the world aimed to return to normal, reports of chronic school absenteeism arose. A 2023 student survey showed that four in 10 students felt persistently sad or hopeless, one-third experienced poor mental health, and 22% seriously considered suicide.

Additionally, social media and internet use can impact mental health, especially among adolescents. In 2023, the US Surgeon General released an advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, citing growing evidence that social media is causing harm to mental health among youth. A study of teens ages 12-15 showed those who used social media more than three hours per day had twice the risk of negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.

How payers can support mental health services for children and teens

Payers have opportunities to support children in their mental health challenges by directly supporting parents and caregivers with approachable health information. Resources are available for parents, such as Mental Health America and SAMHSA, but members must also conduct research and vet the best resources for them and their child. Providing evidence-based information to support members and their families can benefit payer organizations in a few key areas.

Supporting parents and caregivers with empathetic health information

Supplying members with accessible, empathetic educational health materials about supporting their children’s mental health can help with conversations and steps in care. The information can be aligned with the same expert content clinicians and pharmacists access within the care setting, giving consistent instructions, medication information, and recommendations for parents and caregivers. Members can access the information in a medium that serves them best, such as through a portal, via email, or text.

Financial benefits of supporting mental health challenges

One of the major benefits addressing mental healthcare is improved long-term improved outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and alleviated system strain. Among adults, direct medical costs are 149% higher for people with unrecognized symptoms of depression and 51% of people with mental health disorders also have a chronic medical condition. By addressing mental health challenges early in life—and supporting it as a preventative measure within benefit plans—children and teens can gain tools and resources, potentially mitigating long-term costs and health challenges.

Improved member partnership

Payer organizations also have an opportunity to help fill in knowledge gaps for parents. A 2022 survey showed 80% of people had follow-up questions after leaving a health clinic, and this need was stronger among diverse and non-white patients. Payers who supply parents and caregivers with follow-up education and medication information can help improve member partnerships—over and above any direct partnerships they may have with the adults in their own health journey.

Resources for addressing children’s mental health in primary care

Mental healthcare is increasingly being addressed in the primary care setting. Among primary care providers (PCPs), 60% are providing mental health services and PCPs are writing 79% of prescriptions for antidepressants, despite not being formally trained mental health specialists. Payers can support mental healthcare among members and their families by covering treatments as preventative care and by supporting parents and caregivers with accessible, evidence-based health information. With the right resources, families can feel supported and equipped to help their children and teens navigate mental health challenges in the present and as they progress through life.

Learn more about how digital evidence-based member content can support care management efforts, and get insights into mental health trends in the UpToDate® Point of Care Report on Mental Healthcare.