Texas Among the States with the Worst Mental Health Care for Young People 

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A new study has revealed the states with the worst mental health care for young people, with Oregon taking the top spot. 

Mental health treatment specialists at Onyx Behavioral Health analyzed 2023 data from Mental Health America on factors such as youth with at least one major depressive episode (MDE), students identifying with emotional disturbance, and students with a substance disorder. Each factor was awarded a score out of 10 per state to determine the final ranking. 

Oregon ranks at the top, with an overall score of 31.18. The state earned the lowest possible score of 0 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 21.1% – the highest in the country. Oregon also scored 0.61 for youth with a severe major depressive episode at 19.0%, this being the second highest in the US. 

Coming in second is Virginia, with a score of 34.92. The state earned a score of 1.49 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 19.6% and 2.84 for youth with private insurance that doesn’t cover mental health at 17.0%. 

Third in the ranking is Nebraska, with a score of 35.58. The state scored 0.98 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 20.1%, and 1.84 for youth with a major depressive episode who received consistent treatment at 16.0%. 

Vermont places fourth, with a score of 36.52. Vermont earned the lowest score of 0 for students who identify with emotional disturbance at 30.6%, which is the highest in the US, and 0.45 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 20.6%. 

In fifth comes Kansas, with a score of 37.14. The state received a score of 0 for both youth with a substance disorder at 9.1%, and youth with a major depressive episode who received consistent treatment at 6.5% – both these figures are the worst in the country. 

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Texas comes in sixth, with a score of 37.80. Texas earned a score of 1.20 for youth with a major depressive episode who received consistent treatment at 12.7%, and 1.74 for youth with private insurance that doesn’t cover mental health at 19.4%.   

Seventh on the list is Idaho, with a score of 38.29. The state scored 0.23 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 20.9%, and 1.63 for youth with a severe major depressive episode at 17.5%. 

Maine ranks eighth, with a score of 42.06. The state earned a score of 1.20 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 19.9%, as well as 2.45 for youth with a severe major depressive episode at 16.3%. 

In ninth place is Minnesota, with a score of 42.94. Minnesota achieved a score of 1.54 for students who identify with emotional disturbance at 19.8%, and 1.65 for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 19.4%.  

Landing the tenth spot is Arkansas, with a score of 42.98. The state received the lowest possible score of 0 for two factors: youth with a major depressive episode who didn’t receive treatment and youth with private insurance that does not cover mental health, both at 23.2%. 

New Jersey ranks last, with a score of 70.79 and the best mental health care for young people. The state scored 10 points for youth with at least one major depressive episode at 12.6% – the lowest in the country. New Jersey also scored 8.44 for youth with a severe major depressive episode at 7.5%, which is the second lowest in the US.  

A spokesperson from Onyx Behavioral Health commented on the findings: “These new statistics underscore the urgent need for increased investment and resources to address the growing mental health crisis among youth. The lack of accessible support systems in the top-ranking states is alarming and highlights barriers preventing young people from getting the help they need. 

“It’s crucial that governments and communities prioritize mental health from a young age. New policies and strategies could see any of the top 10 states escape the ranking.” 

This study was conducted byOnyx Behavioral Health, mental health treatment specialists based in Florida. 

Methodology 

Data on multiple youth mental health factors per state in 2023 was sourced from Mental Health America. Factors included:  

• Youth with at least one major depressive episode (MDE)  
• Youth with at least one major depressive episode who did not receive mental health service  
• Students identified with emotional disturbance  
• Youth with a substance disorder  
• Youth with private insurance that did not cover mental health problems  
• Youth with a severe major depressive episode who received some consistent treatment 

Each factor was scored out of 10 per state to determine the ranking. 

The full 50 state ranking can be seen below. 

Information Source: https://onyxbh.com