Ohio Faces Mental Health Care Shortages for Children and Youth

A recent report from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio highlights significant barriers faced by children in accessing mental health services. As of July 2025, seventy-five out of Ohio’s eighty-eight counties are experiencing shortages of mental health care professionals. This shortage is particularly acute for child and adolescent care, which is considered a specialized field within mental health services.

Ohio currently has only 365 child and adolescent psychiatrists, translating to approximately one psychiatrist for every 7,105 children. Alarmingly, 53 counties lack any psychiatrists dedicated to serving children, while only seven counties have more than ten. Additionally, access to inpatient care remains limited, with just 11 facilities statewide providing such services for youth.

Challenges in Accessing Care

The report reveals that families with younger children aged six to eleven encounter more obstacles in obtaining mental health care compared to families with older children. Approximately half of the respondents in this age group reported significant difficulties in accessing necessary treatment. This challenge is compounded by the need for specialized training among mental health professionals who work with younger populations, often requiring more collaboration with parents and caregivers.

Furthermore, families with private insurance report greater challenges in finding treatment compared to those with public insurance options like Medicaid. Despite this, children covered by Medicaid are less likely to receive needed care than those with commercial insurance. The study also identifies that children with complex needs—such as those with eating disorders, co-existing mental health conditions, or intellectual and developmental disabilities—encounter additional barriers, particularly in rural areas.

Concerns about Treatment Effectiveness

The effectiveness of mental health care is another pressing concern. According to the report, 57% of Ohio youth who received mental health treatment or counseling found it somewhat helpful, which is lower than the national average of 65%. Only 12 states recorded lower percentages than Ohio. The report indicates that while some children may be receiving care, it may not be the appropriate type or sufficient in quantity. For instance, a child might see a school social worker when they require a higher level of treatment, or they may attend monthly sessions when weekly visits are necessary.

Without timely access to appropriate mental health treatment, conditions can deteriorate, leading to more severe outcomes. In 2024, 5,610 Ohio children visited emergency departments for suspected suicide attempts, contributing to a total of 12,977 emergency department visits related to children’s mental health conditions that year.

The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements in mental health care access and effectiveness in Ohio, particularly for its younger population. As mental health challenges continue to rise, addressing these workforce shortages and access issues becomes increasingly critical to support the well-being of Ohio’s children and youth.