Youth Mental Health: The Numbers | Adolescent and School Health | CDC

Youth Mental Health Crisis in the U.S.

• Current Status: U.S. youth are experiencing a mental health crisis that was already worsening prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Disproportionate Impact: While widespread, the crisis affects some groups of teens more severely than others.
• Key Data Source: The CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey provides the primary snapshot of current adolescent mental health and well-being.
• Role of Schools: Educational institutions are identified as critical environments for reversing negative mental health trends.
• School Connectedness: Defined as the belief that others at school care about a student's success and well-being; it is a proven strategy to protect against poor mental health.
• CDC Initiatives:
  • What Works in Schools Program: Focuses on improving school connectedness.
  • Strategic Goals: Creating safer, more supportive environments, providing quality health education, and facilitating student access to necessary mental health services.