We’re taking action on the youth mental health crisis

Parents, doctors, teachers and many others have all been sounding the alarm about the mental health challenges among children, adolescents and young adults.

Today, depression is a common mental health condition¹ impacting the overall health of U.S. youth.

It is particularly noticeable among teens ages 15-17, where prevalence rates of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are increasing. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is uncovering new insights into the youth mental health crisis, using exclusive data from serving families in every ZIP code nationwide. Our latest Health of America report shows MDD prevalence rates in youth surged during the pandemic and haven’t come down since.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies are taking action in communities across the country to expand access to mental health resources and support.

Meeting kids where they are

With more than 3 million kids and teens taking part in programs from Boys & Girls Clubs of America each year, the Clubs provide an ideal but non-traditional setting to provide mental health support.

That’s why BCBS companies are investing $10 million in Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bring trauma-informed practices to more than 5,400 Clubs and their youth development staff. Incorporating these practices allows Clubs to serve as a physically safe space for youth while also supporting their mental health needs.

So far, nearly 9,900 trainings have taken place, and more than 20,700 kids have already felt the impact—thanks to Clubs empowered by trauma-informed specialists.

“As a trauma-informed specialist, I want to say thank you,” says Laura Magnotta, director of Safety and Leadership Development for the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Connecticut. “These children need this to feel safe at all times.”

Expanding the mental health workforce

BCBS companies are also expanding access to mental health support in more traditional settings. Between 2020 and 2023, BCBS companies increased the number of in-network behavioral health providers by 55% reaching communities across all 50 states.

We’re also advocating for policy changes that improve access—such as expanding telehealth and supporting diverse pathways into the mental health profession. Non-traditional personnel, like trauma-informed specialists working in schools and youth clubs, play a vital role in early support.

Tailoring programs to the unique needs of communities

BCBS companies offer more than 250 youth mental health programs to help improve the emotional and mental well-being of kids and their families. A few examples:

• Innovative care delivery: In Rhode Island, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island partnered with Braver, a behavioral health organization specializing in exposure therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in teens. Braver pairs patients with trained coaches, tripling the number of youth one practice can serve—helping address both access and treatment gaps.
• Strategic partnerships: In Washington, D.C., CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield teamed up with Children’s National Hospital to host the region’s first-ever Pediatric Mental Health Summit as well as a series of webinars. The new alliance formed in response to the youth mental health crisis and laid the groundwork for future action.
• Patient-provider matchmaking: In Washington, Premera Blue Cross is eliminating the stress and time it takes for members to connect with in-network mental health professionals with its Matchmaker for Behavioral Health program. With a couple short questions, Premera finds providers for its members anywhere in the country based on plan, needs and personal preferences. 

These are just a few ways BCBS companies are working to address the youth mental health crisis. Through partnerships with trusted community organizations, investments in innovative care models and collaboration with policymakers, we’re committed to ensuring young people can access the right support—whether it’s in a doctor’s office, a school hallway or a neighborhood Boys & Girls Club. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial to remember the importance of these efforts and continue advocating for accessible mental health care for all youth.

¹Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health: Anxiety problems, behavior disorders, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. Based on US data from 2021–2022.